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Who we are and what we do

Certo MS is a project management business founded in the UK and Ireland. We aim to work with our Clients to create a better built environment whilst in turn not denigrating the natural environment. We have taken the bold step of setting out a strategy to become net positive for carbon, resource use, water and socio-economic impacts at the commencement of our business.

We understand that our actions affect others in everything we do and therefore our CSR policy is designed to be a constant reminder of this to ensure we can become net positive in everything we do.

At this stage we are a small business and it is an ideal time to set out our goals before unhelpful habits are set in stone. We can therefore ensure that our goals and objectives become part of our DNA from the outset. At Certo, we are committed to ensuring that any business undertakings are conducted as ethically as possible by following Christian principles.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility

Certo MS was incorporated on 7th July 2020. The aspirations of the Directors were to have a firm that approached things differently, founded on the Christian principles of:

  • Honesty

  • Integrity

  • Fairness

  • Uniqueness

  • Dependability

  • Responsibility

  • Quality

  • Open handedness

It is important to the Directors that the firm embodies these core values and our CSR policy states that we promote fairness, trust, honesty, compassion and respect for each other, our clients and our communities.

Environment

Our Clients’ assets have significant material impacts on the landscape, environment, local communities, and local and regional economies. Such significant impacts must be managed responsibly through real collaboration between their suppliers and the

occupiers of their assets, with respect for their local communities. We must all have ambition to make our organisations fit for the future generations we will serve.

We are part of the process of managing the design of assets now that we expect to be part of our built landscape for the next 50 years and beyond. Making sure the designers are briefed so that they design in a way that makes the buildings remain fit for purpose over such a significant time frame, and through a period of rapid environmental, technological and social change, is a major challenge, but we see this as a constantly evolving demand on our approach to the way we work.

Certo can provide the expertise to facilitate the construction of environmentally friendly buildings and infrastructure at the leading edge of sustainability, funded on a commercial development basis. We aim to add value to the client’s business case by assisting in the economic incorporation of sustainable principles, where appropriate.

Our Directors have extensive experience in sustainability as they have personally worked on projects with the aspiration of achieving three zeros: zero water, zero carbon and zero waste. Such projects include the Cooperative headquarters building in Manchester, and the Birley Fields campus for Manchester Metropolitan University.

We advise others, whilst at the same time setting an example ourselves through minimising our impact on the environment. Our Sustainability and Travel Policies encourage colleagues to choose low carbon methods of travel and, in particular, use public transport methods when safe to do so.

We have extensive video or telephone conferencing facilities which means that we will not be travelling unless necessary, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.

In all our working practices, as individuals and as a company, we aim to procure sustainable services and materials and to minimise our impact on the environment.

Community

  • We believe we should act as a responsible neighbour and give back in a tangible way to the communities we touch in our day-to-day actions, whether individually or corporately.

  • We encourage all our colleagues to get involved with activities that will benefit our local community. We believe that this helps us to grow as more rounded individuals who are better equipped to serve our Clients and their needs. For example, our Managing Director volunteered as a Street Pastor in Manchester City Centre and, since relocating, is involved in an outreach programme for the homeless on the streets of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

  • We also support our community by having a preference for local firms, local products and local skills.

Philanthropy

  • At Certo we believe in the Biblical principle of tithing. We have therefore allocated in our business planning a contribution of 10% of our pre-tax profits to deserving causes, as we believe we are being directed. If we cannot be ‘open-handed’ in our approach, we fail to be responsible members of society.

    In 2020-21 we have met our target of giving 10% to a range of charities, including:

    • Barnabus, Manchester

    • Christians Against Poverty

    • Focus Ireland

    • Lou Macari Centre, Stoke-on-Trent

    • New Wine

    • Open Doors

    • Salvation Army

    • The Light College

    • Trussell Trust

    • Yasha, Stoke-on-Trent

  • In addition, some pro bono work will be considered for Clients with charitable status.