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Communities

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Communities

CSR Report 2019/20

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We have a responsibility to focus on achieving the very best we can in order to create a sustainable legacy for the people and places around us.

Part of our success lies in strengthening the communities from which we employ.

Meet Nicola In 2019, we sponsored local athlete Nicola Ann Bennett to represent Scotland at the World Powerlifting Championships in Slovakia.

“I was thrilled to qualify for the world championships but the cost of travelling to these events is high,” said Nicola.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to afford the flights and accommodation until Macphie stepped in and offered to cover the cost.”

Nicola came second to Caroline Lyonnaise from Canada and has since been invited to compete in the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio.

Our support for Nicola is just one of over 100 donations made in the last year to support our local communities. It’s written into the Macphie family constitution that we’ll donate a percentage of our profit every year and this year the sum totalled over £8,000.

As well as financial support, all our staff are entitled to take two days paid leave every year to use volunteering for a local project or cause.

In the last year, we’ve worked with 14 community initiatives with employees doing everything from sprucing up community gardens to providing first aid training in schools.

Pass it on We’re firm believers in sharing what we know and partnering with three local secondary schools, we have run a variety of projects and activities to inspire the next generation.

We’re one of only two food businesses in the Northeast of Scotland to partner with Developing the Young Workforce – a government-funded organisation aiming to align organisations with schools. For the last three years, we’ve been working with Mearns Academy and Mackie Academy in Aberdeenshire and Uddingston Grammar in South Lanarkshire – all less than 10 miles from one of our sites.

New spin on support As well as hosting mock interviews and workshops on how to apply for a job, Macphie has taken a new spin on its support for the next generation.

In 2019, Uddingston Grammar installed a washing machine and tumble dryer funded by Macphie.

Working with each school, we deliver a range of relevant activity aimed at inspiring careers in the food industry and prepare pupils for the world of work.

As part of the school’s strategy to provide practical and emotional support to boost attainment, it has installed the equipment to create a clothing bank for anyone who doesn’t have access to adequate uniform.

The store provides discreet access and aims to remove a common barrier to learning and improve self-esteem.

In 2019, we launched an enterprise project to help teach young people about business fundamentals and is aimed at pupils struggling to meet the demands of the mainstream curriculum.

Meet the Muffin Men The Muffin Men – also known as Harvey, Kenzie, Kieron and Layton – were just one of the six school groups to have taken part in the enterprise project.

The project sees Macphie employees run masterclasses in their specialist areas from finance to quality control, each giving an insight into life in the workplace.

Pupils are split into teams and given £20 and a bag of cake mix, with 12 weeks to create their own business and make a profit.

They then return to Macphie’s board room to present on their performance.

Between the first three groups to take part, teams made around £100 in profit but class teacher’s said the experience was invaluable.

“This project takes our learners out of their comfort zone and gives them something to work towards out with the regular curriculum.

As well as getting creative, for some, this is the first insight into the world of work.

Drafting in support As well as funding university scholarships (see page 15), we have extended our support for universities to provide practical experience for students.

Working with UDrafter - an online micro-Internship Going into a board room and presenting to industry professionals is a daunting prospect but we were once again amazed by the confidence and professionalism of the groups.

We wouldn’t be able to offer this experience without the help of Macphie so to have their continued support is incredible.”

Janet Duncan, Mackie Academy teacher

platform – to tap into local talent. One Aberdeenbased university student has been researching the Macphie family history while gaining relevant experience related to her degree.

With employees selling handmade scarves and taking on marathons and obstacle courses, our teams have helped raise £25,000 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health, with match-funding from the employee trust.

Macphie for mental health From crocheting to climbing stairs, our workforce has been doing its bit to raise awareness for mental health.

“It has been a privilege working with Macphie. “We cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication in raising awareness and vital funds for the mental health cause.” Fiona Lewis, SAMH corporate partnerships manager

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