CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Working with the Community Working with the Community Working with the Community Working with the Community

Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Environmental Protection

Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity

J Robinson & Son LtdJ Robinson & Son LtdJ Robinson & Son LtdJ Robinson & Son Ltd

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Craigs Quarry Glenwherry, J Robinson & Son Ltd

Tertiary, Basalt Lava

For further information:For further information:For further information:For further information:

Stephen RobinsonStephen RobinsonStephen RobinsonStephen Robinson

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

J Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons Limited

Craigs QuarryCraigs QuarryCraigs QuarryCraigs Quarry

32 Glenhead Road32 Glenhead Road32 Glenhead Road32 Glenhead Road

Glenwherry Ballymena NIGlenwherry Ballymena NIGlenwherry Ballymena NIGlenwherry Ballymena NI

T: 028 2583 1245T: 028 2583 1245T: 028 2583 1245T: 028 2583 1245

F: 028 2583 1470 F: 028 2583 1470 F: 028 2583 1470 F: 028 2583 1470

Email: Stephen@robinsonquarry.co.uk Email: Stephen@robinsonquarry.co.uk Email: Stephen@robinsonquarry.co.uk Email: Stephen@robinsonquarry.co.uk

Web Site:Web Site:Web Site:Web Site: www.robinsonquarry.co.ukwww.robinsonquarry.co.ukwww.robinsonquarry.co.ukwww.robinsonquarry.co.uk

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Company Background

J Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons LimitedJ Robinson & Sons Limited

Established in 1968, incorporated in 1973. A family owned company now in the second genera-

tion occupying a 130 acre site at Glenwherry.

The company specialises in the manufacture and delivery of quarry and concrete block products

employing 49 staff, (84% of staff reside in the Ballymena Council area).

In 2005 Robinson Quarry Masters had a turnover of £4.2 million from an established customer

base extending to over 5800 accounts.

33 Product lines are manufactured at Glenwherry and are sold to a wide range of corporate ac-

counts in the construction sector through to medium size builders, government bodies, local coun-

cils, agricultural and private home owners.

Summary of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility Summary of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility Summary of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility Summary of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

We believe ‘socially responsible’ means not only fulfilling legal expectations, but also going be-

yond compliance and we are always looking at how to improve our social, environment and local

economy aspect. In the past years we have made many positive steps in implementing our corpo-

rate social responsibility through our commitment to biodiversity and working with our commu-

nity.

Robinson’s adhere to the Department of the Environment’s Aggregate Levy Credit Scheme Code

of Practice and Audit Protocol; environmental issues such as protected species, legislation, and pol-

lution are an everyday concern for our industry. Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, working

with communities and health & safety is therefore central to the challenges of corporate social re-

sponsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, and every business, organisation and individual

has a part to play.

Working with our Community Working with our Community Working with our Community Working with our Community

J Robinson & Son Ltd actively promotes its business in the local community. Our company realises

that good public relations are of paramount importance and as a family owned company we have

been involved in liaison with our community for many years. This liaison takes many forms,

throughout all levels of the company management and employees, we have excellent mutual ex-

change and assistance with our neighbours and are all on first name terms with each other.

Our company contributes significantly to the local economy and aims to promote this through

good communications with our local residents and other interested groups. Communications with

our council, the Environment and Heritage Service and other public bodies is carried out on a pro-

active basis. We keep a high profile by supporting local events local events local events local events such as Agricultural Show, School

Rugby tours, Hockey tours and village charity fund raisers.

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CSR Initiative with CSR Initiative with CSR Initiative with CSR Initiative with

Cambridge House Grammar SchoolCambridge House Grammar SchoolCambridge House Grammar SchoolCambridge House Grammar School

J Robinson & Sons Ltd have developed an ongoing yearly event in partnership with Cambridge

House Grammar School in Ballymena.

In 2005 through family connections Robinson Quarries were approached by Cambridge House

Grammar School Ballymena, regarding the possibilities of arranging a field trip for their year 9

(second year) pupils. Keen to promote our industry, Robinson’s entered into discussions with the

Geography Department where they were able to demonstrate to us that with the curriculum

framework for Key stage 3 programme for geography the pupils must study Human and Physical

environments. This includes economic activities or industrial geography.

To quote from the curriculum handbook:

‘A Pupils must have an opportunity to learn the classification of economic activities as pri-

mary, secondary and tertiary using a systems approach i.e. inputs, processes, outputs

B The impact of economic activity an the environment e.g. quarrying, factory pollution, re-

fuse disposal

C Pupils should have two opportunities to be involved in fieldwork investigations

Following discussions a site visit was conducted with the Head of Department and arrangements

were made for a series of 1 hour tours to show the pupils the key elements of quarrying and con-

crete manufacturing in relation to their theoretical studies.

In April 2005 over 2 days Robinson’s were host to 180 pupils and 12 teachers. A second 2-day

tour has been conducted in April 2006 and Cambridge House Grammar School visit is a regular

fixture in Robinson’s calendar. We have constructed a dedicated viewing platform and propose

static displays for future visits.

The pupils were given a walking tour of our works led by Stephen Robinson and assisted by

quarry personnel, the subjects that were covered are as follows:

• Formation of rocks

• Drilling & Blasting

• Inputs – Rock, electricity, labour

• Processes – Crushing screening

• Outputs – Aggregates, concrete blocks

• Environmental protection measures:

Water disposal

Noise reduction

Integration with the countryside

Tree & grass planting

• Economic contribution to Northern Ireland

Pupils completed a worksheet on the day, linking the quarry company with their curriculum stud-

ies. A worksheet has been enclosed with our submission.

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POSITIVE OUTCOMES POSITIVE OUTCOMES POSITIVE OUTCOMES POSITIVE OUTCOMES

School & Pupils:School & Pupils:School & Pupils:School & Pupils:

The response from the trip was overwhelming; the teachers were amazed that such a large and

vibrant industry existed on their doorstep without them being aware of it. They were delighted at

how the quarry business fitted with their geography curriculum and the efforts put in by Robin-

son'’ to meet their needs. The pupils had an amazing time! With each group leaving another was

delivered with eager with anticipation from the stories carried from the previous group. Each of

the pupils was given an assignment by his or her teacher to complete after the tour and some of

the responses were absolutely brilliant. By taking our CSR further; we are also promoting aware-

ness of the industry in the local economy and contributing to the education of our young people.

Company & staff:Company & staff:Company & staff:Company & staff:

When the company is preparing for the school visits there is always a buzz in the Glenwherry air,

many of the staff’s relations and friends sons and daughters will be attending the visit to the

quarry and they are delighted to be able to showcase their workplace. This indeed increases staff

morale as it takes a teamwork approach to hosting groups of children in the quarry environment

and everyone is extremely satisfied when they hear back splendid reviews from the children and

their families.

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Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Environmental Protection and Biodiversity

A common misconception is that quarries are noisy and barren places where native plants and ani-

mals are absent; in reality they provide a variety of habitats of rock faces, spoil heaps, ponds, reed

beds, health, scrub and woodland soon colonised by plants and are rich in biodiversity which can

be since at Craigs Quarry.

Quarries provide wildlife havens in areas where biodiversity is otherwise limited by other land use

such as intensive farming and have created man made cliffs used by Ravens, Kestrels and Peregrine

falcons. At Robinson’s Quarry we have our familiar resident the Peregrine falcon, one of nature’s

swiftest and most beautiful birds of prey – noted for its speed, grace and aerial skills. Peregrines

have been breeding successfully at Craigs Quarry for a number of years and we have regular con-

tact with the Raptor Study Group NI and Marc Ruddock from Queen University Belfast who has

been studying the behaviour of peregrines.

We endeavour to minimise any adverse impacts of our operations on our neighbours and the en-

vironment. We employ a number of practical measures to do so. Tree planting has provided both

visual and acoustic screening, softening the impact of haul roads, screening from the stone banks

and stockpiles and helping to contain any dust which may arise. J Robinson & Sons Ltd has re-

cently adopted a new site policy regarding native tree and shrub planting to enhance local biodi-

versity and the landscape. When possible local provenance stock will be sourced.

Peregrine falcon © Marc Ruddock

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Native Local Provenance Tree Planting Native Local Provenance Tree Planting Native Local Provenance Tree Planting Native Local Provenance Tree Planting

Tree planting at Robinson’s Quarry Glenwherry has been a feature for over a generation. This is a

tradition, which started in the late sixties by Mr Johnston Robinson from his love of the country-

side. There have been hundreds of trees planted over the years, which have now matured into

habitats for our bird life, rabbits and foxes, which are a common sight co-habituating alongside

the heavy plant operating daily. The importance of minimising the visual impact of our opera-

tions has always been paramount, as this has a major role in good community relations and ena-

bling our works to integrate into the countryside. Grass banks created within the quarry site have

been planted with daffodils, which provide a welcoming reminder to spring for the quarry per-

sonnel.

As land managers, the aggregates industry has significant control over biodiversity and the sector is

already taking numerous steps to reduce negative impacts and increase positive action on biodi-

versity. For the industry, biodiversity work means good business practice and with assistance from

the QPANI’s Biodiversity Geodiversity Officer we have adopted a more focused approach to tree

planting and the biodiversity value of our quarry. In particular we have now adopted a policy of

using indigenous species of trees grown from the local provenance which has benefits for the land-

scape and biodiversity, and employed the Conservation Volunteers NI (CVNI) for advice on in-

digenous plants. Native trees and shrubs support a wider range of plants and animals than intro-

duced species; maintain local character and conservation value. They thrive in particular harsh lo-

cal conditions and are more likely to survive and flourish than most introduced species.

The genetic makeup of local provenance native trees and shrubs ensures that they are better

adapted to local conditions, as they are better suited to Northern Ireland’s climate and soil condi-

tions. Bud burst and fruit ripening is dependent on seasonal timing. Imported trees come into leaf

and fruit at different times than local stock, upsetting the fine balance between native trees and

the wildlife they support. Although Robinson’s have planted a wide range of trees and shrubs

over the years such as Sitka spruce, Cyprus leylandii and laurels, we will now be focusing on our

newly adopted biodiversity company policy on native plants.

Tree planting is a custom that started many years ago and is now an ethos with the company, Tree planting is a custom that started many years ago and is now an ethos with the company, Tree planting is a custom that started many years ago and is now an ethos with the company, Tree planting is a custom that started many years ago and is now an ethos with the company,

providing integration, biodiversity and sustainability for our quarry industry. providing integration, biodiversity and sustainability for our quarry industry. providing integration, biodiversity and sustainability for our quarry industry. providing integration, biodiversity and sustainability for our quarry industry.

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Our CSR ApproachOur CSR ApproachOur CSR ApproachOur CSR Approach

The real value of our CSR is that it helps to contribute to the positive work the in-The real value of our CSR is that it helps to contribute to the positive work the in-The real value of our CSR is that it helps to contribute to the positive work the in-The real value of our CSR is that it helps to contribute to the positive work the in-

dustry as a whole in Northern Ireland is carrying out. We at J Robinson & Sons Ltd dustry as a whole in Northern Ireland is carrying out. We at J Robinson & Sons Ltd dustry as a whole in Northern Ireland is carrying out. We at J Robinson & Sons Ltd dustry as a whole in Northern Ireland is carrying out. We at J Robinson & Sons Ltd

feel we have made an achievement and with this it gives us confidence in this highly feel we have made an achievement and with this it gives us confidence in this highly feel we have made an achievement and with this it gives us confidence in this highly feel we have made an achievement and with this it gives us confidence in this highly

regulated industry that we are perceived as taking our responsibility very seriously. regulated industry that we are perceived as taking our responsibility very seriously. regulated industry that we are perceived as taking our responsibility very seriously. regulated industry that we are perceived as taking our responsibility very seriously.

Our overall CSR strategy is incorporated into our Environmental Policy (enclosed) Our overall CSR strategy is incorporated into our Environmental Policy (enclosed) Our overall CSR strategy is incorporated into our Environmental Policy (enclosed) Our overall CSR strategy is incorporated into our Environmental Policy (enclosed)

and which will be extended in light of our positive experience gained and our com-and which will be extended in light of our positive experience gained and our com-and which will be extended in light of our positive experience gained and our com-and which will be extended in light of our positive experience gained and our com-

mitment to improving. mitment to improving. mitment to improving. mitment to improving.

As well as demonstrating our commitment to the industry locally J Robinson & Son

Ltd is an active member of the Quarry Products Association NI and is represented on

the Planning and the Environment Committee by Stephen Robinson. The Quarry

Products Association NI (QPANI) is the trade association representing the UK aggre-

gates industry. In Northern Ireland our members produce over 90% of aggregates

extracted – sand and gravel and crushed rock as well as non aggregate minerals such

as agricultural and industrial lime including limestone, clay and shale for cement.

The company liaises regularly with QPANI’s Biodiversity and Geodiversity Officer

Laverne Bell regarding environmental improvement and enhancement measures

around the quarry. QPANI is taking a lead role in promoting, facilitating and deliv-

ering biodiversity and is developing a Biodiversity and Geodiversity Action Plan for

the Aggregates Industry. The action planning process involves much more than just

writing a document plan, it engages a wide range of organisations and individuals

all working together in action for biodiversity conservation. It seeks to ensure that

nationally and locally important species and habitats are conserved and enhanced.

Stephen Robinson (Director) is a member of the Institute of Quarrying, a UK organi-

sation that promotes good quarrying practice which includes health & safety, envi-

ronment, industry views in the business arena. Mr Stephen Robinson is also repre-

sented more locally on the Broughshane Village Improvement Committee, and feels

his involvement is important to him on a personal basis as this is where he and his

family lives and he can also give the committee his business experience.

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Supplementary Information

Evidence of

Commitment to CSR

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Community Support Initiatives Funding Oct 2005 – Aug 2006

Oct 05 Broughshane Village Improvements Committee – Garden Awards £80.00

Oct 05 Firgrove Riding Stables Antrim Open Day Sponsorship £50.00

Nov 05 Ballymena Borough Council Annual Diary £730.00

Nov 05 Cushendall G.A.C New Stand Fund Raiser Sponsorship £340.00

Dec 05 Meningitis Londonderry – to London Walk £80.00

Dec 05 Ballymena Academy First XV Rugby Tour £50.00

Jan 06 Islandmagee Ploughing Society Prize Night £40.00

Feb 06 Glenwherry Indoor Bowling Club Tournament Prize Night £100.00

Mar 06 Carrickfergus Rotary Club Quiz Night Fund Raiser £50.00

Mar 06 Ardclinis Parish Church Carnlough Renovations £50.00

Apr 06 Cambridge House Grammar School Quarry Open Day £1031.00

Apr06 Battery Inn Glenwherry Meningitis Tug-O-War Fund Raiser £30.00

June 06 Ballymena Agricultural Show Sponsorship £200.00

July 06 Ulster Traction Engine Club Ballymena Showground’s Sponsorship £40.00

Aug 06 Broughshane Homing Pigeon Society Prize Night Trophies £180.00

Aug 06 Ballymena Academy Rugby Tour Fund Raiser £150.00

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Enthusiastic group of pupils from Cam-

bridge House Grammar School are in-

spired by the vast machinery used to

transport the blasted rock.

As part of Key Stage 3 Geography, the

Quarry Manager speaks to the pupils

about processes and the effect on the

environment.

The pupils discuss how the quarry rock is

blasted.

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Robinson’s quarry staff inspect the

recent tree planting.

Over 1000 native local provenance

trees including hollies, crab apple and

willows have been planted by the

company. stock came from CVNI ‘s

nursery and is involved with the man-

agement and aftercare of the site to

ensure establishment.

Tree planting gives the quarry en-

trance an effective integration

within the rural landscape.

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ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

(Approved by Company Directors – January 2003)

Stone extraction has a major impact on the environment, it is an essential

raw material and our community depends on having it available to build

roads, homes, factories, schools and hospitals. Both the Company and its

employees share a strong commitment to the principles of sustainable de-

velopment, the environment and the local community. Robinson’s have

formalised its’ commitment towards safeguarding the environment and it

is the policy of this company to:

Comply with all existing environment legislation

Review environmental performance on a regular basis

Continue to monitor and reduce where possible, energy consumption in the works

Enhance the efficient use of all resources and extend the policy of recycling

Improve environmental impact of the quarry works

Take full account of environmental issues when developing new operations

Respond to the needs and concerns of the community and to encourage our

employees to make their own contribution to environmental issues

This Environmental Policy will be communicated to all

members of the organisation.