This is Dilnawaz Ali, a member of our team at King’s Cross, London. As an Estate Medic Officer, his role is vital. Always on hand, always ready to step in when needed most.
On a cold October day, the call came. An elderly man had collapsed, suffering a heart attack. By the time Dilnawaz arrived, the man had stopped breathing. In that crucial moment, Dilnawaz acted swiftly, relying on his training and composure to bring hope to an escaltion emergency situation.
Watch as he shares his story and reflects on what unfolded that day.
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WATCH: Purpose Hero – Bozena
Our site Manager at St Vincents University Hospital, Sony Prajapati, shares the story of our colleague Bozena, a member of our cleaning team on site.
Bozena has been recognised as a Purpose Hero inside Bidvest Noonan, and it’s a recognition she truly deserves.
During the pandemic, while working on the COVID wards, Bozena took time to engage with patients, many of whom were isolated from their loved ones due to the restrictions in place. Her site manager, Sony Prajapati, shares a touching story about a patient named Ross, who never forgot the kindness Bozena showed him.
WATCH: Purpose Hero – Elohim Zama
This is the touching story of a woman who, while battling a long-term illness, found herself alone as a patient in the oncology ward at University Hospital Galway (UHG). Elohim, our dedicated contract manager, learned that she had no family in Ireland. Without hesitation, he began visiting her regularly, offering companionship and support during each of his shifts. Watch as Elohim shares his story, embodying our purpose to create healthier, safer communities today, for a better tomorrow.
WATCH: Purpose Hero – Marilyn Haddington
As our colleague, Marilyn carried out her duties at Dinnington Interchange, she noticed a man in distress and took action. What happened next revealed the true meaning of quick thinking and compassion in the face of an emergency.
LISTEN: Purpose Hero – James Wellesly Cole
On a cold January night around 11:00 p.m., James was just starting his shift when a call came in from security. A young woman, barefoot and in pyjamas, was seen wandering near the power station. As James got closer, he noticed she had visible signs of self-harm. What happened next was far from ordinary…
Ethical Procurement and Sustainability: A Q&A with Gurjeet Parmar, Group Procurement Manager at Bidvest Noonan
We sat down with Gurjeet Parmar, our Group Procurement Manager, who joined us in 2023 and is based in our London office. Since joining, Gurjeet has made a significant impact, and today, she is an integral part of our excellent procurement team.
Gurjeet brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked with a diverse range of companies, including large, well-known multinationals. We were keen to hear about how she incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and promotes diversity within our supply chain, alongside her contributions to our thriving procurement team.
What does ethical procurement mean to you, and why is it important for companies?
Ethical procurement is fundamentally about ensuring that the goods and services we purchase are sourced in a way that respects human rights, supports fair labour practices, and protects the environment. It’s a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations into our procurement decisions.
For companies in the UK and Ireland, it’s more than a legal obligation; it’s also a moral one. It’s about avoiding harm and actively contributing to positive change.
We need to make sure that our supply chains are free from exploitation and that we’re supporting practices that contribute to a better world. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on.
It’s the right thing to do, and it’s good for business. It enhances our reputation and builds trust with customers and stakeholders, who increasingly demand that businesses operate responsibly and ethically.
You mentioned preventing the exploitation of both people and the planet. How can we ensure that child labour and modern slavery don’t exist in our supply chains?
We take a very proactive approach. First, we conduct thorough due diligence and regular audits of our suppliers. This helps us to identify and address any risks of child labour or modern slavery. We also do random checks and have very strict onboarding processes to make sure our suppliers know what’s expected of them. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on. This means advocating for sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.
Can you share some of the new or ongoing initiatives that you’re working on to make your procurement more sustainable?
There are so many exciting initiatives happening across our business, it’s on everyone’s agenda, and the pace of positive change is truly incredible. To mention just a few, we’ve introduced a range of products like biodegradable detergents and hand towels made from recycled materials. We’re also reducing our carbon footprint by designing smaller packaging, which allows us to transport more products in fewer shipments. I’m sure many people know about the amazing technologies our innovation team has helped us introduce that enable us to reduce emissions and cut our consumption of resources such as energy and water.
Another significant initiative is our programme for recycling old uniforms. We partner with suppliers to convert these uniforms into usable materials, preventing waste and supporting our commitment to sustainability. These efforts are just a glimpse of the many ways we’re working to minimise our environmental impact and promote responsible resource use throughout our operations.
How do you encourage diversity and inclusion among your suppliers?
A diverse supply chain is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring fairness. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team has done outstanding work in driving this initiative forward. We’re hosting Diversity Supplier Days to engage with suppliers from various backgrounds, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We’ve set specific targets to increase the number of diverse suppliers we work with, and we’re committed to supporting them long-term. It’s about creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.
Finally, what advice would you give to other companies looking to begin their journey to ethical procurement practices?
My advice would be to start with clear policies and standards and make sure everyone in your supply chain understands and adheres to them. Regular audits and open communication are key to maintaining these standards. Also, look for ways to support sustainability and diversity in your procurement practices. It’s not just good for business but also for the community and the planet. And remember, it’s an ongoing process—there’s always room for improvement.