Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, has developed new sustainable and community initiatives to help local businesses take some practical steps to achieving their environmental goals and ethical standards.
Sustainability and community responsibility have been important for each generation at Leighton Hall, the historic home of the Gillow family furniture-making dynasty.
The venue was this year’s recipients of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Award at the Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards.
Recognised for initiatives including restoring woodland and planting pollinators, establishing a forest school for local children and supporting local dementia and cancer care charities, the team is now using their experience and expertise to host corporate environmental strategy days with a distinctly hands-on difference.
It is an opportunity for businesses to build individual bug house cubes which are placed into pollinator pyramids, linking up an ambitious woodland wildlife-supporting ecosystem.
Lucy Arthurs, estate manager at Leighton Hall, said: “The award generated enquiries from fellow businesses, revealing an element of worry and confusion around ESG.
“Many aren’t aware that ESG reporting is becoming more prevalent across all sectors, while others are keen to expand and promote their ethical, ecological and sustainability practices, but unsure how to progress.
“It was an unmissable opportunity to create a responsible dual initiative where we help companies achieve the E on their ESG journey. We know that businesses that might have their ESG aims and strategy on paper are looking for hands on support to lift it from the page into reality and we can help them step away from so-called green washing.
“Participants take home new skills, knowledge and confidence to develop their own ESG goals. They also leave behind a visibly lasting legacy, creating an environmentally sustainable haven for wildlife which the local community can enjoy, too.”
