A prominent North East decorative paints and coatings manufacturer is helping to give back to nature through an innovative partnership with Northumberland National Park Authority.
The new AkzoNobel manufacturing facility in Ashington, which is best known for its Dulux, Cuprinol and Polycell brands, selected the National Park as its site charity of the year and has committed to support the organisation with a number of restoration projects and volunteering activities.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Northumberland National Park,” said Jeff Hope, head of manufacturing unit at AkzoNobel Ashington.
“Every year, employees are asked to nominate one local charity for the site to support for the whole calendar year. In the past, we have used this platform to raise funds and awareness for small, independent charities. This year however, we wanted to do something a bit different which would allow our teams to use their skills to give back to our local community, tie in with our cultural and environmental values and encourage our workforce and their families to get out exploring the beautiful Northumberland countryside.
“Our target is for all employees to participate in at least one activity throughout the year which is why we chose to participate in so many mini projects from the list provided by the National Park.
“The projects will enable our staff to utilise the maintenance, painting and decorating skills they’ve acquired during the course of their work at AkzoNobel, benefitting both visitors to the region and the environment.”
AkzoNobel will be supporting the National Park with a number of projects, including restoration work on Hadrian’s Wall National Trail Path, volunteering at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre for the duration of its ‘Digital Landscapes’ temporary exhibition, restoration of the boundary cairns which mark the Park’s perimeter and general painting and maintenance work both at The Sill and at sites throughout the Park.
Dave Richardson, volunteer and apprenticeships development officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, said:
“It’s a pleasure to be working alongside AkzoNobel Ashington as the site’s chosen charity of the year.
“We are passionate about partnering with businesses through corporate sponsorship packages and volunteering opportunities. These packages enable us to showcase the National Park to new audiences who might otherwise not engage with the landscape, but also get some much-needed support with practical maintenance projects which help to conserve the Park for visitors’ enjoyment.
“The activities that AkzoNobel are going to be participating in will have major benefits to the general public. It is great to have the support and expertise of AkzoNobel on hand to help us prepare for the busy tourist season.”
AkzoNobel is using its own specialist Dulux and Cuprinol paints for the project and sourcing all of the decorating materials required to carry out the project work from its own Dulux Decorator Centres across the North East to ensure that the work carried out at the sites across the Park will withstand the test of time and the harsh Northumberland elements.
For more information about AkzoNobel, visit www.akzonobel.com or for more details about Northumberland National Park, visit www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk.