Corporate responsibility

As a specialist electrical retailer the Kesa Electricals Group is well placed to manage an effective approach to corporate responsibility (CR) that pursues profitable growth while enhancing brand equity. It has long been our belief that good CR practice makes sound financial sense. However, as a pan-European group represented in 10 countries, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not appropriate because of the different sizes and maturity of our businesses.

Therefore the majority of our activities are locally driven, reflecting customer demands and market sensitivities. However, there is a corporate responsibility team comprising senior managers from each of the businesses.  Chaired by the Company Secretary, the team meets regularly to share best practices and develop practical performance measures that could be adopted across the Group.

Our initiatives fall into four key areas:

Environment

Improving the group's use of energy, the impact of our transport fleet and our use of bulk materials such as paper and packaging, by minimising waste, increasing energy efficiency and reducing our consumption of materials. More>>

Supply Chain

Improving labour, environmental and social practices in the group's supply chain, by ensuring that our suppliers and business partners are made aware of our requirements and take all reasonable steps to ensure they are met. More>>

People

Providing a working environment that is conducive to the recruitment and retention of the widest possible range of talented staff. Offering them a safe and healthy place of work. We wish to be recognised as a good employer aiming to reward people fairly and to provide equality of opportunity, personal development and training. More>>

Communities

Working for our customers and local communities, contributing to community activities in the areas we serve.  Supporting and encouraging staff fundraising for appropriate charitable organisations. More>>

Performance Criteria

As part of our commitment to CR, we have set targets and objectives that we expect our companies to meet and we review their appropriateness regularly. To help us assess and monitor progress against these targets we use key performance indicators in non financial areas. The focus for the past two financial years has been:

1. The number of days spent on staff training
As a specialist electrical retailer, it is important that we create a working environment that is conducive to the recruitment and retention of talented staff who have excellent customers service skills and product knowledge.

2. The number of accidents or injuries to staff
The provision of a safe and healthy place of work for our staff is a primary concern and key responsibility.

3. The percentage of energy efficient A-rated products sold

Energy label ratings on fridge freezers help our customers choose more efficient models.  A-rated products use the least amount of energy thereby benefiting both our customers and the environment.

4. The number of tonnes of packaging waste collected and recycled
Through our distribution channels and warehouses we can efficiently collect our customers’ waste for recycling. 

*Percentage of fridge/freezer sales which are A-rated