Working together is focus of business in Limerick community event

BUSINESS people working together with communities was the order of the day at a series of special events in Limerick this month.

More than 60 people working at multi-national firms in Limerick, alongside small businesses, schools and community groups met up at the events, run by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI).

Northern Trust, located at the National Technology Park and Limerick Chamber in the city centre played host.

It was the first time BITCI had held an event outside Cork, with the summit attracting corporate social responsibility professionals from across the region.

The event’s theme was focused on achieving real impact through community engagement, in particular building strategic partnerships between businesses, local charities and non-governmental organisations.

As part of this, representatives of Limerick-based firms Cook Medical and Three Ireland shared their experiences supporting workplace inclusion of people with disabilities, and extending community mental health services.

BITICI also showcased its education programmes and employment partnerships already active in the Limerick region and called for more companies to engage and support local social needs, particularly the integration of migrant women and mentoring for school students.

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Already 11 companies in Limerick including Amneal Pharma, Virgin Media and Analog are paired with 11 local schools designated as being disadvantaged.

Their students take part in its literacy and numeracy initiatives.

Staff link up with students for mentoring programmes.

Laura Morrison, BITCI sustainability advisor, Munster Region said: “Corporate social responsibility and sustainability professionals have such complex and demanding roles, with so many pressing issues to tackle, it’s vital they can connect with each other in confidential and supportive settings.

“Our Munster Network lets individuals and companies learn from each other’s successes and setbacks and connects businesses with new sources of expertise. We were delighted to bring the Network meeting to Limerick for the first time and, after such an enthusiastic response from companies and organisations here, I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

Catherine Duffy, Northern Trust's general manager in Limerick added: “We were delighted to host the first meeting in Limerick of the BITCI Munster Members’ Network and the joint session with BITCI and the Limerick Chamber on Community Engagement and Social Impact.”

“The event was buzzing with local business people, charities and representatives from the education sector. It was a relaxed, informal space which led to robust discussions on sustainability alongside community involvement and responsibility.”

Chief executive of Limerick Chamber Dee Ryan said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with BITCI and Northern Trust to put a spotlight on the value offered by businesses to collaborate on important societal causes and lend support to the commendable work undertaken by local charities and community initiatives. We believe that by joining forces, businesses can make a meaningful impact in our local communities across Limerick.”