PRESS

There is a lot of talk about corporate social responsibility or CSR. For some companies it is a high level activity that involves fine-tuning processes to strict environmental standards. It involves education, ethical practice and community involvement. In essence it is 'putting something back' into the community, which has provided a business with its industrial land, staffing and infrastructure to become a successful enterprise. There is an argument that a company with good local standing is in a position to hold its own against threats from larger, even global competitors.

ADP Security Systems Ltd, based in Bedford Road is a growing security business that has its own CSR values and an ethical approach that it is busy nurturing. In future the plan is that these will play a more formal part in the company, becoming integral to its whole identity.

The owner/directors, their families and several employees live in Petersfield and its surrounding villages, making our local community the focus of ADP's community involvement. Director, Dave Preston, explains: "We live in Petersfield and work in Petersfield and like to feel a part of the community. We actively support local events - both financially and by going along."

He continued:"Local leisure and sports activities rely heavily on people giving up their time to benefit those taking part, both adults and children. Businesses can do their bit by donating equipment or providing funding to back up the volunteers' work. It would be good to see even more businesses giving financial support locally."

For the second year running, ADP Security Systems was one of the prime sponsors of the Petersfield Real Ale & Music Festival, a music and social event that raises a lot of money for local good causes. Organised jointly by members of Petersfield Rugby Club and Petersfield Round Table, the festival has secured sponsorship from several local companies, raising a total of £10,000 between 2001 and 2005, with the money going to local charities and Youth rugby at Petersfield.

As well as advertising in charity magazines for Rowan's Hospice and Radar to support these good causes, ADP enjoys regularly sponsoring youth sports clubs with new kit. They include Liphook youth football, Steep Stoolball Club, a motorcycle champion from Greatham and, previously, Petersfield's Rugby Football Club (now supported via the beer festival). Alan Day, director of ADP, said: "All the kids and adult helpers at Liphook put in a tremendous amount of effort to make the team a success and we are happy do what we can to encourage this."

Dave adds: "We like Petersfield Rugby Club's policy of 'full inclusion', which means that everyone gets a game, and also the attitude that the coaches teach the team. It's all about playing the game well, not just about winning."

This obviously rings true for companies like ADP too. Business is not just all about winning and profits - it's about giving financial support to improve the lot of local people, and taking the time out to enjoy being part of the community in which we live and work.