Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of Facilities Management Servicess

Social Value

Bidvest Noonan launches domestic violence policy and support framework for 27,000 colleagues

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Bidvest Noonan has introduced a new Domestic Violence Policy and Support Framework for its 27,000 colleagues across the UK and Ireland. The announcement comes as the UN marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, a global reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the importance of offering understanding and support.

According to UN Women, almost one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and as few as 40% seek help of any kind. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, and these figures underline the importance of clear and accessible support in the workplace.

A central element of the policy is the introduction of up to five days of paid domestic violence leave for all colleagues. This includes colleagues working in the United Kingdom, where there is currently no statutory entitlement to paid leave for domestic abuse. By providing the same level of support across all regions, the company aims to remove uncertainty and make help accessible when it is needed most.

The policy is supported by a wider framework of measures. These include flexible working arrangements, confidential changes to payment methods, time for essential appointments, 24-hour access to the company’s Employee Assistance Programme and bespoke workplace safety plans. A Domestic Violence Toolkit and manager guidance have also been developed to help teams recognise concerns and respond appropriately. The company is now preparing to roll out line manager training in partnership with Women’s Aid.

Julie Mernagh, Chief People and Culture Officer, said the framework supports colleagues during difficult circumstances. “Domestic abuse affects people in ways that are often hidden from view. We want colleagues to feel they can come forward and be met with care and confidentiality. This policy gives people support when they need it, including paid leave and other forms of support. Our focus is on making sure no one has to navigate these situations alone at work.”

CEO Declan Doyle said the new policy reflects the company’s commitment to wellbeing and safety. “Home should be a safe place, but for many people it is not. We want our workplace to be somewhere colleagues feel supported and never alone. By putting these supports in place, we are giving people time, space and understanding when they need it most. Our hope is that this policy helps colleagues feel safer and more protected.”

The Domestic Violence Policy and Support Framework are now in place across all Bidvest Noonan operations.

Bidvest Noonan’s Net Zero Targets Approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

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We are proud to announce that Bidvest Noonan’s near-term and net zero science-based targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

This validation confirms that our commitments are aligned with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Under these approved targets, we will reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 42% by 2030, and achieve full net zero across our entire value chain by 2045.

Our journey towards net zero is well underway. Over the past 12 months, we have achieved a further 12% reduction in carbon emissions, putting us ahead of plan to meet our 2030 target. Our momentum has been driven by focused initiatives in fleet optimisation, energy management, procurement strategies, and operational efficiency. These results show that we are delivering meaningful, measurable progress today.

Securing SBTi approval reflects our commitment and the real sustained efforts of our people across the business. With our science-based targets now officially in place, we are accelerating our work to reduce emissions, drive efficiencies, and create positive outcomes for our customers, our communities, and the planet.

Every step we take today brings us closer to a stronger, more sustainable tomorrow.

Bidvest Noonan Achieves an Impressive 12% Emissions Reduction

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Bidvest Noonan has reduced its carbon footprint by almost 12% in its fiscal year 2024, with these figures externally verified. The company is now ahead of its target of achieving a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 and progressing towards becoming a net-zero business.

The almost 12% reduction in emissions was achieved through targeted operational improvements, with the company’s procurement team playing a key role in driving sustainable sourcing and supplier engagement, including accelerating the company’s transition to electric vehicles and working hand in hand with customers and suppliers on sustainability.

“Addressing climate change requires collaboration, commitment, and continuous effort. No organisation can achieve sustainability alone. The industry is making great progress, and we are proud to help lead the way to a more sustainable future. ” said Nina Delia, Environmental Manager at Bidvest Noonan.

Bidvest Noonan has been an early mover in electric vehicles, introducing an electric-first policy, which has led to a growing percentage of its operations transitioning to electric vehicles. Additionally, as one of the largest providers of FM services across the UK and Ireland, with more than 27,000 people, Bidvest Noonan has a substantial supply chain. The company has prioritised working with its partners to help it operate more sustainably and to ensure that companies within its network act responsibly.

With dedicated sustainability resources and deep expertise within its ranks, Bidvest Noonan actively supports its suppliers and customers in achieving their sustainability goals.

Bidvest Noonan Achieves Milestone with First Comprehensive Carbon Footprint Assessment

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We are delighted to announce the completion of our first comprehensive carbon footprint assessment. This landmark achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and our mission to create safer and healthier communities.

“Our first full carbon footprint assessment is a testament to our transparency and accountability,” said John King, ESG Director of Bidvest Noonan. “Our footprint demonstrates the work we have done in recent years. Understanding our emissions allows us to take meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact and provide sustainable solutions for our clients.”

A graphic showing our carbon reduction success

The assessment adheres to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards.

The process involved a detailed analysis of emissions from the supply chain, employee commuting, fleet operations, and more. By engaging with suppliers and various departments, we identified key impact areas and opportunities for emission reductions.

“For customers, this signifies that Bidvest Noonan offers not only market-leading services but also environmentally conscious solutions, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable practices,” added John King.

Key findings showed that the supply chain and employee commuting are primary contributors to emissions, accounting for the vast majority of our footprint. Our business, which has adopted an electric-first policy for our fleet, has also implemented local recruitment policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and public transport initiatives to promote sustainable commuting for our 27,000 people. Additionally, we are working collaboratively with supply chain partners to further reduce scope 3 emissions.

Andrew Doyle, Procurement Director, commented on our efforts to assist the supply chain in becoming more sustainable: “We are actively working with our suppliers to enhance their sustainability practices. By collaborating closely and sharing best practices, we aim to reduce the overall environmental impact of our supply chain.”

Driving Forward with Our Carbon Reduction Plan

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In 2021, we launched our Carbon Reduction Plan, with the “Electric First” strategy at its core. Since then, we’ve made remarkable progress on this journey. 🔌🔋

Over the past year, more than 93% of our vehicle purchases have been electric, adding 135 electric vehicles to our fleet. To support this transition, we’ve enhanced a number of our offices with additional charging facilities for our colleagues.

This initiative is crucial, as vehicle emissions account for over 90% of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We are steadfast in our commitment to becoming fully electric in the coming years.

Our efforts extend beyond vehicles. We have also made significant progress in transitioning our machinery to electric alternatives, further supporting our sustainability goals.

Together, we’re driving towards a greener future.

Food for Thought: A Simple Idea Transforming Workplace Inclusion

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In today’s diverse world, people from different backgrounds meet daily, creating chances for innovation and understanding. While this diversity is valuable for team-building and generating varied ideas, the real challenge for organisations is to harness these differences effectively and authentically for significant benefits.


Our team at the University of Limerick, with its broad talent pool, recognised this potential. Keen on bringing together the unique perspectives of its colleagues to form a more effective and inclusive team, they were committed to creating an environment where everyone could flourish. In pursuit of this, they engaged in numerous initiatives and saw remarkable results. However, one idea stood out for its effectiveness and simplicity. This concept, employed in various cultures but less discussed in corporate settings, was ‘Food for Thought’. It involved the simple act of sharing meals – a universal practice of breaking bread together.


‘Food for Thought’ is straightforward: get people together to share a meal and and encourage them to share their unique stories. This age-old concept, reimagined for the modern corporate world, gains its power from simplicity. In a shared meal, there’s an opportunity for conversation, for personal stories to unfold, and for barriers to dissolve.


What makes ‘Food for Thought’ impactful isn’t just the act of eating together; it’s the exchanges that happen around the table. When colleagues share their personal stories, they begin to see each other beyond their professional roles. They discover common ground, understanding, and respect. These are the cornerstones of a truly inclusive workplace.


The influence of ‘Food for Thought’ stretches well beyond the lunch hour. It reshapes workplace culture, affects interactions, decisions, and attitudes. This initiative reminds us that sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge from the simplest ideas.