Sector:  Manufacturing
No.of Employees:  251+
Region: Yorkshire and Humber

Summary
By making a significant effort to understand the communities they work in and by employing local people who represent the local population, Bramall have done much to ensure good communication between the company and its client, the local community.

Background
Bramall are specialists in public sector housing regeneration and have 300 direct employees. They were the first construction company to receive the Kick-start Equality Award in Kirklees and have been recognised for being positive on disability.

Responsible business objectives 

" Bramall Construction are a company that are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and appreciate their importance in relation to delivering community regeneration "
Julie Fuller, QA and Training Officer

How they do it

• Understanding the needs of minority ethnic communities. Bramall have been undertaking a refurbishment of 900 council-owned properties in Eastwood, Rotherham, an area of high Asian population. To understand the needs of the local community they undertook a programme of action:
  o Outreach work - meeting local people and introducing the company to them;
  o One to one consultation - visiting individual customers to explain the refurbishment work;
  o Offering bilingual support and ensuring that this service was well advertised;
  o Employing a bilingual Tenant Liaison Officer;
  o Encouraging cultural awareness among Bramall's employees through a newsletter which highlighted religious events and practices;
  o All employees having a basic knowledge of the languages used in the community.

• Employing young people from minority ethnic communities. Bramall has been involved in the Youth Build scheme, providing training and employment to youth from minority ethnic communities.

• Sharing best practices with other construction firms. Bramall has created a Diversity Toolkit to promote best practice in the construction industry.