Mott MacDonald won Business in the Community Cymru's responsible business award for Building Stronger Communities 2017, for making a positive difference to the challenges shared by business and society. The award is in recognition for its work at Project Riverside, Aberfan and its Think Future Generations (TFG!) initiative that was developed on the project.
James Harris, managing director of Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe region, said: “As well-being enablers Mott MacDonald proactively seeks opportunities to build stronger, more resilient and sustainable communities. With our new policy statement aligning our services with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 we have directly committed ourselves to support achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Proactive engagement with the local communities at Aberfan and Merthyr Vale inspired them to move forward by themselves with Mott MacDonald facilitating the process. The outcomes included the launching of a new scout troop in a refurbished facility, the creation of a Community Christmas Fayre and an annual summer fun and healthy living event. All are now thriving activities embedded in the community calendar.
Davide Stronati, Mott MacDonald’s global leader for sustainability, said: “Social inclusiveness and working in partnership with the local community during each phase of project delivery are key learning points for us all. The visionary, simple and practical approach on Project Riverside has delivered exemplary value.”
Riverside Project Manager and TFG! leader Paul Maliphant added: “We need to bring opportunity management to the forefront of our thinking as a value adding foil to the industry focus on risk management. We are challenging colleagues, clients, collaborators and communities to deliver enhancements in well-being through all our projects.”