Linc-Cymru has been being recognised as the UK National Example of Excellence by Business in the Community for its work in the community. The UK wide Awards for Excellence ceremony was held at the Royal Albert Hall, London on Monday 7th July and Linc-Cymru is the first company in Wales to achieve this UK standard.
Having been awarded a Big Tick for its Regenerating Six Bells and Llanhilleth Project at the Wales Awards for Excellence in June, Linc-Cymru was shortlisted in the BUPA Healthy Communities category and fought off strong competition from BT, EDF Energy and Network Rail to become the UK’s leading example. Now in their eleventh year, the Awards encourage companies to measure, continually improve and communicate the benefits they bring to society through community programmes and business practices.
Since 2002, Linc-Cymru, which employs 88 staff and manages 3,500 homes across South Wales, has worked with the residents of Six Bells and Llanhilleth, Blaenau Gwent to combat the area’s high unemployment, poor health and lack of access to services by establishing a local presence and promoting healthy eating clubs, food co-operatives, exercise classes and ‘stop smoking’ sessions to provide residents with a healthier future.
As a result of Linc-Cymru’s commitment to the project, 15 new community groups have been established, six new initiatives – including food co-operatives providing much needed access to fresh fruit and vegetables – and an increase in residents becoming more actively involved in their community.
From a business perspective, Linc-Cymru previously struggled to let out its housing stock in Six Bells, but now has a very healthy waiting list.
Robert Smith, Chief Executive of Linc-Cymru said: “The outcome of our work has been a real success from a business and community perspective. Six years ago we were experiencing major difficulties in letting our homes. We had a choice. Either we could gradually dilute our investment or we could devote our energy towards making the community a more pleasant and attractive place to live. We chose the latter approach and with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government through their Objective One Funding stream and the enthusiastic support of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and community leaders, together we have genuinely made a difference.
Without doubt the skill and dedication of our staff and partners, particularly the Communities First team, involved in the project over the last 6 years has had a real positive impact on the community and the people who live there. This prestigious award will inspire our staff and the community and I have every confidence that the communities of Six Bells and Llanhilleth will go from strength to strength.”
Owen Evans, Director of Business in the Community in Wales added: “Congratulations to Linc-Cymru who are thoroughly deserving of this award. It has been fantastic to see so many strong examples of responsible business practice in Wales this year – with three companies from Wales being shortlisted for UK awards - and I am delighted to see Welsh best practice being showcased and Linc-Cymru registering our first UK win.”
Chair of judges, Peter Jones, Director of Corporate Communications, BUPA said: “Linc-Cymru’s holistic approach to improving health and wellbeing really impressed. They are engaged in a range of interventions, responding to a number of health challenges – from smoking to healthy eating – and covering all ages. “Their long term approach and sustained commitment was changing behaviour and growing understanding within the community.”
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