Phoenix Natural Gas

Sector:  Other
No.of Employees:  200
Region: Northern Ireland 

Summary
Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd supplies natural gas to the industrial, commercial and domestic markets across Greater Belfast.

Background
Established in 1996, the company has since acquired 90,000 customers and is currently growing at a rate of 20%.

Responsible Business Objectives
Phoenix's corporate social responsibility mantra is focused on its own 'L.I.F.E.' principles:
• Learning - continuing to learn about community and social needs, which are recognised in the development of projects.
• Involvement - in making a difference.
• Forging relationships - connecting with others who can support Phoenix in making a difference.
• Engagement - obtaining community feedback on projects.

How they do it

• Training and development.  Formation of NINGA, Northern Ireland Natural Gas Association, to train locally based semi-skilled installation providers. 

• Improvement of job opportunities. Offering a secure career for existing and new plumbers and installers.

• Development of long term strategic 'Fuel Poverty' initiative. With Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Energy Saving Trust.

• Provision of apprenticeships and mentors within the industry.

• Training programme for 10 long term unemployed.

• Financial support of local community groups.

• Charitable partnerships, involving fundraising and awareness building.

• Introduction of community awards. To recognise voluntary community groups.

• Transfer of skills.  Involvement of CEO in 'Entre', a further education programme to pass on experience and skills to young people.

• Membership of Utility Skills Council.

What impact it has

• Support of NINGA, which has developed a trade network of 3,000 people and secured £1.5 million per year of inward investment to the local industry.

• Contribution of £10,000 to 14 community groups in 2004.

• 'Bridge to Employment' scheme. 10 mature apprentices selected for intensive 11-week training course.

• Partnership with Chest Heart and Stroke Association - raised five figure sum, 2004, to raise awareness in the community.

• Training of approximately 100 installers.

• 24 apprenticeship placements.

• Engagement with 100's of school children and students.

Business Benefits

• Awards: Company of the Year 2004, from the Utility Industry in Great Britain - reflecting Phoenix's Corporate, Environmental and Community achievements.
• Positive image.  Omnibus survey demonstrated a positive image perception of Phoenix from over 75% of the local community.
• Competitive advantage.  Surveys on community involvement reveal Phoenix to score consistently higher than competitor utility companies.
• Solid integration into the local community, upon whom Phoenix rely for business success.
• Press coverage.  Generation of local press coverage to the value of £20,000 for Phoenix.
• Staff motivation.  Employees are enthusiastic and enjoy involvement in community initiatives.