Woods of Hornsea

About Woods of Hornsea

Woods of Hornsea is an independent, family run builders merchant delivering quality materials to East Yorkshire and beyond! Our aim is to provide excellent customer service to our local community including both DIYers and trades. We can fulfill all your requirements from a box of screws though to the materials to build a whole house! We pride ourselves on supporting the local community, getting involved with local charities, sponsoring members of two local ladies football teams and getting involved with local events. We have an excellent team who are keen to develop and progress and we enjoy facilitating that through ongoing training and development. We have owned the business for eight years and have seen many positive changes throughout this time.

Company culture

Mission statement

A family run, independent builders merchant whose mission is to serve our customers in a friendly and efficient way ensuring that every customer has access to quality products at competitive prices. Catering for all needs from the smallest DIY project through to large trade constructions, using our knowledge and expertise to meet every customers needs.

Vision

To expand the business and explore every opportunity, empowering the staff to grow and develop whilst supporting the company on it’s journey.

Values

Integrity, commitment, reliability, friendliness and efficiency

Employee benefits and perks

– Staff discount

– Uniform

-Christmas bonus

-Christmas meal out

-Flexible working hours

-Free tea and coffee facilities

-Personal development opportunities

-Free eye tests

Career development and growth

We are constantly striving to train and develop our team in order to provide them with the skills they require to fulfill their roles confidently, ensure job satisfaction and ultimately contribute to the efficiency of the business. We are fortunate to have a team who are keen to learn regardless of length of service or ability so when opportunities arise we aim to make them as accessible as we can.

We are members of the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) who have a fantastic training programme offering a variety of courses from two day courses in People Management skills right through to a Diploma in Merchant Management. We have been able to access the Yard Foreman’s Toolkit for our Yard Manager and the People Management skills for our Customer Service Manager. We also have our Branch Support Officer in the process of completing his Diploma in Merchant Management. They have all enjoyed the courses and agree they have benefited immensely from the training and information they received.

In addition to this, we have colleges/ universities locally who all offer various training throughout the year. We have been able to access a Level 2 Team Leading course for our recently promoted Shop Manager and also have put two members of the team through Level 3 First Aid at work and Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness .

East Riding Business Support also hosted a one day Maximising People Performance course which our Shop Manager enjoyed and they have held various workshops that we have attended such as Social Media and Marketing.

Over the last year we had two apprentices who both completed their Level 2 Trade Supplier apprenticeships with distinction and both have been able to bring all the skills they learnt to their full time roles within our business.

As a family run, independent business we are fortunate that we can create new roles and positions to suit the business, so as we continue to grow our staff can grow with us and reach their full potential.

EDI (equity, diversity & inclusion) initiatives

At Woods of Hornsea, we believe that diversity and inclusivity are fundamental values that enrich our workplace and drive innovation and success. We are committed to fostering a culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. This Inclusivity Policy outlines our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations in line with the principles of the Equality Act 2010.

Definitions

Direct Discrimination

Direct discrimination occurs when a person or group is treated less favourably than others. Segregating a person or group based on their sex, marital status, disability, race, colour, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, gender reassignment, dependents, belief system or age is unlawful. It also is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant whose conviction is spent.

Indirect Discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs when a condition or requirement is imposed which, although applied equally to all individuals or groups, is such that:

• The proportion of persons of a group who can comply with it is significantly smaller than the proportion of persons not of that group who can comply with it.
• The employer cannot show it as being justifiable based upon the needs of the job.
• It is to the detriment of the individuals concerned because they cannot reasonably comply with it.

For example, a dress policy that prevents women from wearing trousers discriminates against women of a particular race or religion; a higher language standard than is needed to do the job discriminates on the grounds of nationality/race; a training policy that excludes part-time staff may discriminate against women, who fill the majority of part-time jobs.

Victimisation and Harassment

Discrimination by victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another because he/she had asserted his/her rights under the Acts relating to discrimination or had helped another person to assert those rights

The responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation and operation of the arrangements will rest with the Directors who will ensure that they and their staff operate within the policy and arrangements and that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to avoid discrimination. The Director will ensure that:

• All their staff are aware of the policy the arrangements, and the reasons for the policy.
• Grievances concerning discrimination are dealt with properly, fairly, and as quickly as possible.
• Proper records are maintained.

The Director of Woods of Hornsea will be responsible for monitoring the operation of the policy concerning employees and job applicants.

Responsibility of Staff

Whilst the responsibility for ensuring that there are no unlawful discrimination rests with the Director, the attitudes of staff are crucial to the successful operation of fair employment practices. All members of staff should:

• Comply with the policy and arrangements.
• Not discriminate in their day-to-day activities or induce others to do so.
• Not victimise, harass, or intimidate other staff or groups on the grounds specified in the policy statement.
• Inform the Director if they become aware of any discriminatory practice.

Diversity and Equal Opportunities

Woods of Hornsea is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement to all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively seek to recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds.

Inclusive Workplace Culture

We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and valued for their unique contributions. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of disrespectful behaviour based on protected characteristics is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Accessibility

Woods of Hornsea is committed to ensuring that our facilities, programs, and services are accessible to all employees, customers, and visitors, including those with disabilities. We provide reasonable accommodations and support to enable employees with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively and participate fully in the workplace.

Training and Education

We provide training and educational opportunities to raise awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion among our employees. This includes diversity and inclusion training for all employees, as well as specialised training for managers and supervisors on promoting inclusive leadership and managing diverse teams.

Employee Resource Groups

We support the establishment and participation of employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups that provide a supportive space for employees with shared identities or experiences. These groups play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and promoting dialogue, understanding, and allyship across the organization.

Reporting and Accountability

Employees who experience or witness behaviour that violates our Inclusivity Policy are encouraged to report it promptly to their supervisor, Human Resources, or through the company’s designated reporting channels. Reports will be promptly and thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against individuals found to have violated the policy.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuously improving our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within Woods of Hornsea. We regularly review and assess our policies, practices, and initiatives to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance inclusivity and belonging for all employees.

Conclusion

By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, Woods of Hornsea aims to create a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe that by working together, we can create positive change and drive our collective success.

Sustainability / environmental stewardship

Introduction

At Woods of Hornsea, we recognise the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices in safeguarding our planet for future generations. As a responsible company, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact, complying with UK legislation, and promoting sustainability throughout our operations. This Environmental and Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment, responsibilities, environmental plans, and waste management channels.

Commitment to UK Legislation

We are committed to complying with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and standards set forth by the UK government and local authorities.  We will stay informed about changes in legislation and ensure our practices remain in compliance with applicable requirements.

Responsibilities

Management: The management team is responsible for overseeing the implementation of environmental and sustainability initiatives, setting objectives, and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

Employees: All employees are responsible for following environmental policies and procedures, reporting environmental concerns, and actively participating in sustainability efforts.

Suppliers and Contractors: We will work with suppliers and contractors who share our commitment to environmental sustainability and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.

Environment and Sustainability Plans

Energy Efficiency: We will strive to minimise energy consumption by implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimising equipment usage, and promoting energy conservation practices.

Waste Reduction: We will reduce waste generation by implementing waste minimisation strategies, such as reusing materials, recycling where feasible, and minimising packaging.

Sustainable Procurement: We will prioritise sourcing materials and products from environmentally responsible suppliers, considering factors such as sustainability certifications, recycled content, and carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: We will work towards reducing our carbon footprint by implementing measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, such as using renewable energy sources and promoting eco-friendly transportation options.

Biodiversity Preservation: We will protect and enhance biodiversity by conserving natural habitats, planting native vegetation, and supporting initiatives to preserve wildlife.

Water Conservation: We will minimise water usage through efficient water management practices, such as installing water-saving devices, monitoring consumption, and preventing water wastage.

Waste Management Channels and plans

Recycling

We will implement a comprehensive recycling program to recycle paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and other recyclable materials.

Composting

Organic waste generated from our operations will be composted to produce nutrient-rich compost for landscaping and gardening purposes.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste will be managed and disposed of in compliance with relevant regulations to prevent environmental contamination.

Waste Reduction

We will explore opportunities to reduce waste generation through product redesign, process improvements, and waste reduction initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

We will regularly review and evaluate our environmental performance, set measurable objectives and targets, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to achieve our environmental and sustainability goals.

We will engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community, to promote environmental awareness and gather feedback on our environmental initiatives.

Conclusion

At Woods of Hornsea, we are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, and we recognise the importance of integrating these principles into our business practices. By adhering to this Environmental and Sustainability Policy and working collaboratively towards our goals, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

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Lisa Tudor