The sponsorship, which adds to the business finance company’s existing CSR and environmental improvement efforts, will be used to fund HOME’s sustainability work, including programming, travel schemes and other initiatives.
Eve Parker, Deputy Director of Development at HOME, said: ‘We are thrilled Shire Leasing have recognised HOME as a leader in environmental sustainability by coming on board as our new Sustainability Partner. We are looking forward to working together with Shire to share our knowledge and promote sustainable practices with their clients and networks across Greater Manchester.’
Julie Henehan, Corporate Development Director at Shire Leasing, said: ‘Shire Leasing are proud to be partnering with HOME to support their forward-thinking sustainability initiatives which are aligned with our own commitment to environmental improvement.
‘Through innovation and efficiency, HOME and Shire share similar values and we are delighted to be working with them in support of their sustainability goals whilst continuing to improve our own practices. We’re looking forward to collaborating with HOME to support individuals and businesses within the local community and make positive changes for the benefit of their environment.’
HOME’s extensive sustainability activity includes beehives on their roof, which help increase biodiversity in Manchester city centre by pollinating plants. The bees can be seen on a live online ‘beecam’ and updates from the hives are regularly shared on the venue’s social media channels.
The venue has a sustainable procurement policy, builds sustainability into every step of their programming, from film selection to stage design, and every member of staff is Carbon Literacy trained. HOME is committed to reducing direct carbon emissions by 50%, and support the Manchester Climate Change Framework 2020-2025. The venue also collaborates with other organisations across the city as part of MAST and the Oxford Road Corridor.
Collaboration with Shire will include webinars with HOME’s award-winning sustainability team, which will be available for Shire’s clients to help them make their businesses more sustainable.
With a focus on supporting UK businesses in making greener investments, Shire Leasing has formed successful new relationships with Clean Tech specialists as well as those introducing innovative new technologies to deliver environmental improvements. In 2020, they were also appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Council to deliver the UK’s first financial assistance scheme providing direct financial support to accelerate investment in low emission vehicles. Shire Leasing not only supports eligible businesses with interest free finance and grants to acquire compliant vehicles, but was also instrumental in delivering the framework for the financial assistance scheme.
