Introduction

As part of my Chartered Marketer qualification, I developed a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy for Manhattan (prior to its merger with Paula Rosa), which lacked CSR or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This project was a significant component of my L7 Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing.

Connect

To assist Manhattan’s Housing Construction Industry clients in meeting their Climate Change Act targets, I undertook extensive research. I extracted key points from The Climate Change Act 2008, The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), and BREEAM documentation. This helped house builders earn CSH points, achieve higher certification, meet carbon goals, and enhance the marketability of their homes. I secured buy-in from the Senior Management Team by presenting the business case for Planet2050®, explaining how it would increase CSH points and strengthen Manhattan’s reputation.

Converse

To effectively communicate and engage stakeholders, I recommended that Manhattan manufacture and display the Planet2050® eco-kitchen at The Coronation Festival in Buckingham Palace’s gardens in 2013. This involved:

• Designing the Planet2050® logo, sustainability strategy, event brochure, and high-quality corporate invitations.
• Leading the kitchen design team and the factory to develop the eco-friendly Planet2050® kitchen, which met sustainability criteria.
• Managing the exhibition marquee and corporate hospitality, coordinating with Royal Warrant holders for stand decorations and refreshments.

The event showcased how Manhattan could help the Housing Construction Industry gain credits in the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM’s Refurbishment of Domestic Homes.

Convert

The successful launch of Planet2050® at The Coronation Festival in 2013 was a key factor in Manhattan’s growth and eventual merger with Paula Rosa. The event, which required meticulous planning and execution, attracted 100 leading house-builders and industry professionals. It involved:

• Dismantling and rebuilding the eco-kitchen through Buckingham Palace’s security.
• Organising a prestigious guest list and managing tight security protocols.
• Networking with industry leaders and Royal Warrant holders.

The project received positive feedback and contributed to Manhattan’s increase in revenue from £38m to £60m following the merger. Iain Flitcroft, then CEO, praised the initiative and its impact on the company’s reputation and success. Despite the subsequent scrapping of The Code for Sustainable Homes, I am proud of the Planet2050® project and its long-term benefits.