Inspiring Others

Although less tangible than the other Vivid pillars, we believe that inspiring others and setting an example is just as important. The Vivid team is made up of a cross-section of people from every department in the business. We are proud of our Vivid wines and producers and like to promote them where we can, and these are usually highlighted at our tastings and events.

Our colleagues

It’s really important to the Vivid team that our colleagues know what we’re up to and how they can help. We have signs around our office encouraging people to switch off equipment and to recycle rubbish. We have also established a Ride2Work scheme which entitles employees to buy a bike tax free and we have shower facilities in the office if they decide to do so. Vivid and our principles of responsibility are a core part of new employee inductions.

The industry

Corporate Social Responsibility Winners 2011 at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards:

We are thrilled to have been named as the winners of the IWC Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the second year running. The honour is just reward for our incredibly hard-working Vivid team led by Amanda Willsher.

The judges said: "A lot of companies bolt on corporate social responsibility, but Bibendum sees it as a core of the company. It has revised the amount of paper, cardboard and glass it uses, and has cut down on its energy consumption, both in the office and through business travel. The areas supported by the business are altruistic, not looking to gain commercially. It maintains the crucial element of staff support in this category, ensuring productive outcomes."

Amanda says, "All the green activities Bibendum has undertaken have been driven by our voluntary green committee, Vivid. Vivid has succeeded by using the knowledge and experience of everyone on board to assess the way we operate as a company and to implement many changes, whether large or small, across the whole business. These changes have added up to make a big difference and it's fantastic that the IWC has given us recognition for this. For us this is not about a big shiny one-off project, it's about a holistic approach looking at how we function as a whole now and in the future."

Michael Saunders (MD) said, "We are delighted to have retained the Corporate Social Responsibility award. Issues such as protecting the environment and promoting responsible drinking are of prime importance for our industry, and I am very proud that Bibendum is leading the way in addressing them."

Our customers

Knowing how and where to start when you want to be greener can be tricky. But never fear - there is help out there. And remember, being green and conserving energy isn’t just good for the environment; it can save you money too.

As a restaurant, bar or hotel you can check out our Top Ten Tips for a Greener Restaurant on the Bibendum Times blog.

Other useful sources include:

The Carbon Trust
The Energy Savings Trust
Envirowise
The Sustainable Restaurant Association
The Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP)
If you’re local to Bibendum also try The Camden Climate Change Alliance (CCCA)

Or if you want further inspiration or ideas contact your account manager or get in touch with the Vivid team for advice on ways we can help you.