Our Stories
Ethos is involved in and supports a diverse range of projects and activities… from networking events for social entrepreneurs to supporting the building of children’s villages in Africa. These stories will give you an insight into our aims, objectives and most importantly what we are actually doing.Stories Categories: India, Environmental, Volunteering, Networking, Africa, Environment, Fair Trade, Film Night, Fund Raising
Our Stories
Green Tips
- 06/11/2007In: Environmental
1. Buy a shopping bag
An estimated 17.5 billion plastic bags are distributed to UK consumers each year and they largely end up in landfill sites. Get a shopping bag for the long term and remember to take it with you.
2. Switch your finances
Change your savings account, investments, mortgage or pension to an ethical provider. The Co-operative Bank is the leading ethical high street bank.
3. Switch to a green energy provider
Approximately 500,000 homes in the UK have switched to a renewable energy supplier using the likes of wind, solar or hydro power. Switching can even save you money.
4. Buy an acre of rainforest
South American rainforests are vital to the world's ecosystem. The charity Rainforest Concern, will purchase and protect areas of tropical forests and saveguard sites from well documented destruction.
5. Save-a-flush
Water is becoming an increasingly precious commodity. Put a save-a-flush bag or brick into your system and help save over 2000 gallons of water every year through this method.
6. Turn off lights when you leave a room. A fluorescent lightbulb left on for just 15 minutes uses 500 times more energy than it would if it was switched off when not needed. Help reduce wasted electricity and save yourself money.
7. Unplug your phone charger. A report from O2 reveals that only 5% of energy used by UK mobile phone chargers actually charges phones. Over 50,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions could be avoided if we unplug our chargers.
8. Buy energy efficient appliances. Choose an A or A+ labelled product and help reduce energy levels. Energy efficent products will not reduce performance nor necessarily even inflate the price.
9. Travel to Europe by Train. Instead of shooting to Barcelona for a weekend by a cheap flight, book in advance and travel on the Eurostar. The CO2 emissions for each person on the train is just 40kg compared with 277kg.
10. Support an environmental charity. There are so many to choose from ranging from well known to small. See what is out there and choose whom you would like to support. Some of these organisations are making huge movements in encouraging indivduals to make a difference.
City Action
- 02/10/2007In: Volunteering
Ethos are working closely with a community development organisations, City Action. Based in London, their objective is connecting city businesses with in-need development organisations; City Action specialise in supporting London companies in establishing an employee skills-based volunteering programme.
This is something that both Ethos and MLS are passionate about. Each MLS employee can take up to 2 Charity Days per year. Ethos have developed with City Action opportunities for staff to pass on key skills in mentoring younger staff; offering HR and Financial advice to the unemployed; teach communities skills in conflict management and offering CV advice and work experience.
It is a common misconception to view charity as needing to give money, instead here is a scheme unconcerned with wealth, rather tackling the greater issue which is distribute skills and experience. You can volunteer to tackle issues of unemployment, lack of education and lack of confidence. In sharing skills it is possible to provide people with second chances, an incredible restoring gift to an individual and to a community.
If you would like to volunteer for one of these projects please contact info@ethosmls.co.uk who will organise a placement for you or look at
www.city-action.org for further details
Invest in people, Empower people…
Ethos reaching Africa...
- 01/10/2007In: Africa
Former employee and friend of Ethos, Fin Wood has packed up and moved to Uganda on an initial 3 year commitment. Leaving their UK lifestyle, Fin and his family have gone to be involved in a community project which is working towards building a children's village. Christian Growth International purchased 20 acres of land and a team will be re-developing the site. The village when complete will provide housing and medical assistance, particularly for orphans suffering from HIV.Ethos have partnered with Fin on this project and have assisted in providing and shipping furniture for the children's village. We are fully in support of Fin’s committment and are inspired by his passion and action in addressing some of poverty's greatest needs.If you would like to find out more about this project in Uganda or if you would like to volunteer, please contact the ethos team.
Entrepeneurs in the NET
- 18/09/2007In: Networking
Ethos and Blah host an exciting networking event for Social Entrepeneurs called NET. The purpose of this is to bring people together to communicate ideas, express vision and promote corporate responsibility.
NET Events are in the process of being launched in Manchester, Leeds and Exeter. The London gathering currently has over 30 people attending and there have already been some great connections made. The format of the evening is for two guests to tell stories about the initiatives they are involved in, with a chance for further discussion and networking. So far there have been some great speakers with inspiring stories being told by companies such as Belu Water, CRED Jewellery and I Believe In Miracles, an Ethical fashion label.
This a space for Social Entrepeneurs to immerse themselves in ideas and vision with the goal of reaching solutions against poverty and to influence behaviour. If you are interested further please contact info@ethosmls.co.uk. NET takes place on the last Monday of every month on HMS President 1918, Victoria Embankment, London from 6.30 – 8.00 pm.
Watch this space for news about the launch of NET website...
Networking on the Thames
- 06/09/2007In: Networking
On Thursday, 30 August, the Ethos Networking Party was hosted on HMS President. Against the backdrop of the Thames, a Speedboat and a Jazz Band, the evening was a great success, enjoyed by many staff, clients and suppliers. With the sun providing a warm glow the Boat provided a party atmosphere and it was an encouraging social event as clients networked with other businesses in their buildings.
The raffle raised £500 for Ethos with prizes such as weeks away in Spain, holidays to Cottages in Devon, cases of wine and more. The money will go towards the School project in Chennai, India to provide clothing, food and classroom furniture. We are really grateful to all those who participated with this raffle.
The dance floor was kept active to just before midnight when proceedings ended. I think all attendees left well fed and looking forward to next year…
India is Winning
- 02/08/2007In: India
A year ago Ethos began raising money to build a small school centre in one of the worst slums in Chennai, India.
Much good work has developed over the last 12 months and the school was finished earlier this year.
Our CEO, Paul Williams, had the privilege of opening the school in front of several hundred children, slum dwellers and one or two dignitaries. It was an excellent celebration, completing an emotional yet rewarding process and a chance to view what we have achieved together.
The school is now providing basic education, a meal each day, and a uniform (all that many of the young children have to wear) to between 50 and 80 children. A doctor visits the school for free offering free basic medical care to the children.
Further good news, just a couple months ago another businessman viewing the area with Paul, saw the project and has very generously agreed to fund the centre at the rate of £500pm. This will enable the project to provide further medical care, cater for the basic needs of over 400 families, and provide advice and support to enable families to achieve a self sustainable lifestyle over time.
IID, the charity with which we work, also has a growing micro enterprise which will further link in to provide support for the community.
We are excited by the progress and potential of this project. Thank you for making this possible and for being part of Ethos as we help to build something better together.
“Environmentally friendly”: An idea or a commitment?
- 01/08/2007In: Environment
Over the last couple of years being ‘green’ has become a buzz word and even an advertising tool. Huge corporations have put tremendous effort and money in appearing socially aware; Starbucks on specific days sells Fair Trade coffee; British Airways have aimed to be carbon neutral; and hybrid cars have taken over America. Are these changes signs of greater awareness and integrity by big businesses or the drives of a PR spun machine?
It seems we are all on the global and microcosmic scale riddled with social irony. Some of us recycle, choosing green options yet purchase high energy Plasma TVs or drive excessively. Business corporations face a similar dichotomy balancing fascinating green innovations with unhealthy practices. For instance leading supermarket chains have been pioneering initiatives in packaging and fair trade, yet endorse destructive expansionist policies eradicating small business or rupturing green belts.
You may be left feeling ‘what’s the point’? Really, what is the point in scooping out the water in your boat with a colander? Like everything if the back door is bigger than the front door we will not see the necessary change we are hoping to achieve. Alternatively, we could be witnessing the first steps in a movement which will tighten up on businesses and bring corporations to greater accountability.
Whether you have hope or cynicism, the key point is to keep these issues on the table. MLS are keen to develop our social responsibility and have a company CSR Manager. If you have any interesting comments or issues you would like to discuss please contact info@ethosmls.co.uk
Opportunities For You!!
- 25/07/2007In: Volunteering
You can gain an extra two days' holiday per year... If you volunteer for a registered charity at any time during the week or at the weekend you can claim up to two working days back.
Here are some options available to you:
1.
With : St James The Less
What : Homeless Shelter
Where : Vauxhall
When : Thursdays
6.30pm-9.30pm
Worth : ½ day
Doing : Joining the existing team of volunteers. Helping to set up tables, serve food, wash up, clear tables etc.
2.
With : City Gateway
What : Centre Insight Tours
Where : Your Centres
When : Anytime!
Worth : ½ day
Doing : At least 3 City Gateway staff bring a group of up to 15 trainees to your offices for a tour around the different departments, with a focus on meeting people in those departments where there are entry-level jobs.
3.
With : City Gateway
What : Employability Talks
Where : E1, London
When : Anytime!
Worth : ½ day or 1 day
Doing : One or a small group of MLS staff join City Gateway in Spitalfields for one of their employability workshops to talk to their trainees about important skills and jobs in our business.
4.
With : City Gateway
What : Work Placements
Where : Your Centres
When : Anytime!
Worth : 1 or 2 days
Doing : One or more trainees, who have been trained and mentored in Employability Skills by City Gateway staff and have been specially selected, come on placements with one of your departments to work at a basic level.
5.
With : City Gateway
What : Mock Interviews
Where : Your Centres
When : Anytime!
Worth : ½ or 1 day
Doing : We receive CVs for a group of trainees who have been trained in Employability Skills and they come to the centre to be interviewed for a job they are actually or potentially applying for, giving feedback at the end.
All you need to do is send a letter from the charity on their headed paper to Julie Rose and these two days will be added to your yearly annual leave total. These need to be requested in the usual way on a holiday request form. If you already have links with a Charity you can apply to organise charity days there too...
If any of these options appeal to you then please email info@ethosmls.co.uk and let us know.
Small steps do make a difference...
Centre For Social Justice
- 25/07/2007In: Volunteering
Steve Hughes recently used his volunteering days working for The Centre for Social Justice. This is a social think tank set up by Iain Duncan-Smith and run by Philippa Stroud, both Conservative Party representatives. The ‘CSJ’ has pioneered effective work into understanding child poverty and promoting the role of the family in the UK, including a groundbreaking report called ‘Breakthough Britain’.
Steve spent his time researching ways of improving Health Care in under-resourced areas in the South of England and writing speeches petitioning for hospitals to stay open in Sutton & Cheam.
For further information on upcoming initiatives look at http://www.centreforsocialjustice.com/
Volunteers Work Miracles...
- 03/07/2007In: Volunteering
MLS Director, Steve Baker, has been making a huge impact recently voluteering for ‘I Believe in Miracles’, an exciting company who specialises in sourcing and selling fashion products made in India. Steve has been involved in providing free consultancy helping to build their vision and network. Steve regularly meets with the Co-ordinators to hear their initiatives and successes, offering support and advice.
I Believe in Miracles use ‘Tupperware’ style parties to sell their products, so keep an eye out... Their work in India provides employment and income to many communities in need. Ethos are fully supportive and enthusiastic about the growth of this project.
http://www.ibelieveinmiracles.co.uk/
MLS Gardeners...
- 03/07/2007In: Volunteering
On a bright Sunday afternoon a group of enthusiastic gardeners assembled at a neglected residential garden area, behind our Lyon House Business Centre. With spade in hand Keare Pearce-Downey, our SCSR at Russell Square and Southampton Place, took on the challenge of developing this untamed area.
The garden connects 3 high-rise tower blocks and was in considerable need of attention. The team worked at restoring some colour to the flower beds and removing much of the glass debris scattered around the park. One afternoon’s handiwork can have such an impact locally, as the park was left looking glamorous and ready for an invasion of young children.
ACTS
- 29/06/2007In: Volunteering
More MLS staff are making the most of their charity days. Sam Hardwick is involved with a Charity called ACTS. They organise over 12 innovative projects including sports events, fun days and training courses impacting underprivileged estates in Lincoln.
Every week they run an event where over 90 people from the local community come and receive top grade food and clothing. Those attending are often homeless, drunk or struggling in the midst of poverty. The initiative is building momentum and the community is beginning to feel the difference.
If you would like to use your charity days to help with some of ACTS’ initiatives, please contact Sam Hardwick.
MLS Support Fair Trade
- 07/05/2007In: Fair Trade
Both Ethos and MLS are committed to supporting Fair Trade products. All our centres provide Fair Trade tea, coffee and sugar. Furthermore we also have an exciting friendship with Belu water.
'The first bottled water that does not contribute to climate change,' Belu water gives 100% of their profits to clean water projects. They have also rolled out the UK's first compostible bottle made from corn. These progressive ideas have seen this company's profile grow and their relationship with MLS has developed strongly .
We have become huge supporters of Belu water and use their products in all our centres. We also support Belu by championing this company through our networking sphere, resulting in other enterprises using their water products.
For further information look at http://www.belu.org/
Inconvenient Truth
- 20/04/2007In: Film Night
This week Ethos presented an informal video night, where thirty or so MLS staff and clients gathered on the boat to watch Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’.
Hosted by Jonny Hughes, it was a great social evening as well as being filled with heated debate.
Ideally, an issue as extensive and serious as global warming should be met with strong arguments. For many watching, the film provided an excellent introduction to the issues and encouraged further reading. So often this is an area misinterpreted or misunderstood.
Whether Al Gore is completely accurate is another discussion. There is always the slightly cynical approach where the subject matter has been dramatised for the Democratic profile. There are many different ways to interpret statistics making it very difficult to reach an objective conclusion.
I think it was agreed that this is a serious issue that needs recognition and ‘Inconvenient Truth’ is very much a step in the right direction. We have all experienced seasonal fluctuations recently and will all have to live with the consequences of our energy emissions. However, what these consequences are, and the extent of their damage remains to be seen.
MLS aim for 100 staff volunteering days in 2007!
- 02/03/2007In: Volunteering
Ethos is working with MLS to encourage MLS staff to use their 2 staff volunteering days. Each MLS staff member is entitled to 2 days per year to be used for a volunteering project of their choice.
Once you've gone through the normal holiday procedures all you need to do is to get a signed letter from your charity, with their charity registration number, which says that you've completed the work with them, and send it off to HR. It's as easy as that!
If you know of any charities that need volunteers then let us know and we can try and promote it!
Christmas Enterprise
- 10/01/2007In: India
Last Christmas almost 350 handmade cards were bought by MLS staff to support a recently established card making business in India.
The enterprise provides employment for women in the Chennai local community who design and make cards.
A group of women are trained and equipped at Tabitha College in various skills and use their stitching and other creative skills to produce these cards. In a hugely underprivileged area, these cards have had a great impact and the employment has assisted in providing financial support as well as tools and confidence.
We are delighted that these cards have been sold. Ethos will be involved in similar initiatives over the next year and will be in partnership with ‘I Believe in Miracles’.
If you would like to purchase some of these cards, please contact www.ibelieveinmiracles.com or Ethos at info@ethosmls.co.uk
Slum Building Project
- 01/11/2006In: India
The first floor is nearly finished, and the whole building should be completed in 30 days. Joel, the building manager from IID, is overseeing the work.
Ethos Networking Party
- 31/10/2006In: Networking
On the 29th August HMS President hosted an Ethos/MLS networking party. About 300 staff and clients were there for an evening of music, socialising, a BBQ, free speed boat rides and plenty of alcohol. Not only was this fun it was also for a good cause as a raffle in aid of Ethos raised over £500!! Thank you to everyone in the Ethos team who made this happen, and thank you to the staff of HMS President who made it a truly memorable night!