Corporate Social Responsibility and Charity.
At 848, we believe that every organisation has a responsibility to do more than “just business”. This includes participating charity work, helping to protect the planet, giving back and making a difference. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do, and because we care. 848 employs passionate people who aim to create a positive impact every day for clients, colleagues, and the rest of our community.
How We Help.
848 has donated thousands of pounds over the years to a range of charity fundraisers set up by employees and other businesses, as well as to the NHS. We have also donated books and resources to schools and provided free Microsoft licenses to charities.
In 2021, we formed a charity committee made up of staff from all areas of the business to enhance our charity work as we have grown. The charity committee comes together to plan and organise fundraising events for charities chosen by our employees. This not only helps us give back but promotes inclusivity and brings people together.
Every employee across 848 is offered 2 paid volunteer days to help out in the community or use their time to support a charity or good cause. Members of our team have used these days in a number of ways, from participating in charity challenges, to offering skills free of charge to those who need it, and volunteering at fundraising events.
Our Charity Successes.
2022 – Yorkshire Three Peaks and Sky Diving.
In 2022, our employees voted for 2 charities to focus on for the year. This was one national charity, and one local. Our charities for 2022 were Samaritans, a suicide prevention and mental health charity, and our local Dougie Mac Hospice. Dougie Mac cares for adults and children with life-limiting conditions and provides specialist support services. Members of the 848 team took over the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Samarathon, and a 14,000ft Sky Dive. We are proud to have raised £4,500 in 2022, as well as donating hundreds of toys and gifts at Christmas to the children in the care of Dougie Mac.
2023 – More Climbing and Christmas Gifts.
In 2023, we continued to raise money for Dougie Mac and Samaritans. Another team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, tackling a 5200ft ascent, over 24 miles, in less than 12 hours. We were proud of the team for raising over £1000 with this challenge. We raised awareness of Mental Health Awareness Weak for Samaritans, and at Christmas, we took a load of donated toys, gifts, and pyjamas for the children at Dougie Mac Hospice.
Doing the Right Thing.
Above everything, we believe in simply doing the right thing. 848 is built on the values of honesty, transparency, and positive change. We only deliver solutions that we know will deliver positive outcomes for our clients, and work with partners who align with our beliefs.
Sustainability and the cloud.
The cloud is enabling greener operations for organisations of all sizes. 848 runs in the cloud and operates on a paperless basis. Employees work on a flexible hybrid basis, predominately working remotely via the cloud.
As a cloud-first IT partner, we help organisations migrate from carbon-intense corporate data centres, to energy efficient cloud environments. By utilising the cloud, customers reduce carbon emissions by 88% while using 84% less power.
Furthermore, the Microsoft cloud is up to 93% more energy efficient and 98% more carbon efficient than on-premises environments. We’re a Microsoft Gold Partner and expert in enabling clients to embrace sustainable cloud solutions.
Greener transport.
Electric cars offer a more eco-friendly alternative to petrol or diesel vehicles. However, they often come at a higher price point. At 848, we’re helping employees make the switch by reducing the initial costs involved in moving to an electric vehicle.
To help make purchasing an electric car more affordable, we offer to cover the cost of an electric car charger for employees who are purchasing an electric vehicle.
The 848 Group also offers an excellent cycle to work scheme to encourage employees to stay active and provide a more environmentally friendly mode of transport. The cycle to work scheme helps employees save up to 40% on a bicycle and accessories.
Supporting Good Mental Health.
Importantly, 848 aims to create an inclusive and open environment and working culture where talking about mental health is encouraged. We have enabled a number of staff to become qualified mental health first aiders. Our mental health first aiders provide peer support to colleagues who need it within the business.
We also help team members access mental health services such as talking therapies and counselling via private healthcare which we provide to every employee. Staff can utilise 24-hour stress counselling without limits, as well as 28 days of mental health cover within their policies.