In collaboration with MFC Foundation
The 15th Preferred Partners event brought together 22 local professionals to discuss Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the role businesses can play in building a stronger, more sustainable future in Teesside. This session was proudly supported by our charity partner, MFC Foundation.
As part of the Foundation’s Big Week and Big Challenge, attendees were welcomed by MFC’s mascot, Roary the Lion, for some light-hearted photos to start the day. This was followed by a powerful message about the importance of supporting young people and families across the region. This year’s Big Week is set to be the most impactful yet, focusing on mental health, education, and providing vital resources to those who need them most.
Lynas Engineers shared insight into the work they have delivered to support the Foundation. From completing a collective 472 miles, to Tom Hustwitt’s 80km Moor Traverse ultramarathon across the North York Moors, the whole team has played their part in raising money for the Foundation, and there’s still time to donate. They also showcased their commitment to local biodiversity, working with Middlesbrough Council to improve woodlands and protect wildlife through responsible site clearance practices. Emphasising the importance of ecological sensitivity, particularly during bird nesting season (March to September), the team has developed a dedicated Ecology Guidance Document to help partners stay informed and compliant.
The Preferred Partners network continues to create tangible value for the region. So far, over £35 million worth of work has been channelled through local businesses in the network, showing the strength and potential of a connected and collaborative supply chain.
Social Value with Purpose
Paul Shepherd and Paul Murphy from MFC Foundation led a compelling discussion on social value, emphasising its role in creating tangible opportunities for those facing significant challenges. The Foundation’s efforts have also led to measurable outcomes, such as an 80% reduction in anti-social behaviour during Premier League Kicks sessions and a 94% increase in physical literacy among youth in the Chances programme. These examples underscore the Foundation’s commitment to leveraging the power of football to drive meaningful change in the Tees Valley and beyond.
The Foundation’s work is built around five key pillars of social value:
- Work – Supporting apprenticeships, local recruitment and workplace skills. The Bright Lights employability course at Teesside Park alone helped 20 young people into work, with an estimated social value of £400,000.
- Economy – Helping improve health and wellbeing through free health checks delivered via the Boro Bus. A response to a reported 23% increase in sickness absence in the workplace.
- Community – Reaching more than 24,000 people across Teesside through 32 programmes in 2024, supporting everyone from toddlers to individuals aged over 100.
- Planet – Partnering with Cumbria Waste, based in Middlesbrough, to deliver recycling workshops to schools and supporting the opening of eight eco shops across Teesside.
- Innovation – Acting as a voice for the community to support initiatives like NHS research trials in underserved areas.
There was real interest from the network in becoming Friends of the Foundation, with opportunities to support as Bronze, Silver or Gold members with Tekbuild and Nicander already joining forces with the Foundation through the Preferred Partners network and others supporting the Foundation through sponsorship led events. They recommended the Social Value Portal as a means to track your own business’s impact.
The Value of Fair Pay
David Van der Velde from the Living Wage Foundation delivered a powerful presentation on the Real Living Wage and its importance, showcasing how the Built Environment sector can be key drivers in this.
1 in 5 people using foodbanks today are in work. In parts of the North East, 1 in 2 children are growing up in poverty. The Real Living Wage movement has grown to nearly 16,000 employers, collectively putting over £3.5 billion into the pockets of working people. Accreditation is simple, businesses need to commit to paying staff the Real Living Wage and outline a plan to do the same for subcontractors.
Supporting businesses that already champion fair pay is another important step that every organisation can take.
Constructing Links 2025
Our third annual Constructing Links conference has officially launched and, for the first time, will include the participation of six local primary schools in the morning session. This year’s event will be a full-day experience, taking place on Friday 20th June at the Legends Lounge, Middlesbrough Football Club, from 10am to 4pm. Designed to unite primary school pupils and business professionals, the event will explore the theme ‘Building a Better, Brighter Teesside’.
- The morning will feature engaging activities for schoolchildren to explore careers in the built environment.
- The afternoon will offer thought-provoking panel discussions tailored for the local business community.
Delegate tickets are priced at £30, and sponsorship opportunities are available for Preferred Partners at £300. All profits from the day will go directly to support the work of The MFC Foundation, ensuring the event creates a genuine, lasting impact across the region.
Delegate and Exhibition spaces are limited so secure your spot now.
Delegates: https://www.justwilliamsltd.co.uk/product/constructing-links-2025-delegate/
Exhibitors: https://www.justwilliamsltd.co.uk/product/constructing-links-2025-exhibitor/
