Calashock is committed to the environment and the local economy in which it operates. We take responsibility for the economic, social and environmental impacts of our activities and business practices.

Calashock’s chosen association of the year for 2008/09 continues to be the Club Sociale Italiano di Finchley (CSIF). CSIF was founded 30 years ago with the aim of promoting Italian culture and traditions amongst the Anglo/Italian community living in North London. We started supporting the CSIF last year by donating a re-design of their website, www.finchleyitalianclub.com, and assisting with the marketing and organisation of the club.

In 2008, we were invited to join the Committee of the Club Sociale Italiano di Finchley, which we duly accepted, and are pleased to announce that Luigi Moccia is a committee member with effect from 22nd January 2008.

Calashock will also commit to donating 1.5% of the net turnover to Marie Curie Cancer Care on a quarterly basis for the period 1st May 2008 to 30th April 2009.

From June 2008 onwards, we anticipate welcoming our first work experience placement from Finchley Catholic High School - a Business and Enterprise College - in what we hope will be the start of a productive relationship with the school. By taking on placement students from local school, we aim to educate and motivate students in enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Having recently relocated to newly refurbished offices in Barnet, we implemented an updated Environmental Policy with immediate effect.

Where we receive literature or letters through the post, we remove our details from unnecessary and old mailing lists, helping to reduce waste paper. Furthermore, any recyclable waste is separated and either recycled or reused. When ordering stationery supplied, we aim to order only 100% recycled paper whenever possible.

Not only do we support local businesses where possible, we also purchase from local suppliers to reduce energy consumption and transportation costs.

We do not use plastic, paper or polystyrene cups or mugs. We have purchased mugs and glasses for serving drinks, which are then washed by hand rather than using a dishwasher.

In the age of modern technology, we aim to reduce our paper use by communicating where possible by electronic form rather than paper-based methods such as letters and faxes. This not only reduces our paper consumption but also saves on transportation costs associated with the delivery of post and faxes.

Our desks are positioned ergonomically and economically next to the windows. This allows us to take advantage of natural light, reducing energy costs and providing us with a little inspiration.

Calashock’s 2007 we purchased a Smart FourTwo car, an environmentally friendly vehicle, thus reducing the impact of pollution on the environment. The 999cc engine also allows us to take advantage of lower running costs.

Where and when possible, employees who live within a 1-mile radius of the office are encouraged to walk to work.

Outside of working hours, all lights, computers, printers and appliances are switched off - with the exception of the Fax machine, which must remain switched on for obvious reasons. Blinds are closed to conserve heat when the office is not in use.

Investing in and contributing to the local community is important to Calashock, and throughout the course of 2008 we plan to become involved in more projects and initiatives that we think will have benefits to people living within Barnet and the surrounding area.

April 2008