Norse boosts UK economy by £234 million a year, new report says

A recent report has estimated that Facilities Management, Property Services and Care Homes group Norse, contributes around £234 million a year to the UK economy. The group’s success is bringing jobs and prosperity worth millions of pounds to communities across the UK, according to a detailed new report by SQW, a leading provider of research, analysis and advice on sustainable economic and social development. Experts estimate that the business contributes almost £234 million to the national economy through its services, wages and procurement of supplies. The figure also includes Norse’s effect on supplier companies, job creation and the spending power of its workforce. Norse supports about 12,300 jobs across the UK, as well as helping to save millions of pounds in public money through a growing number of strategic partnerships with local authorities. According to the study, Norse pays wages and salaries of £136 million a year nationally, has a directly employed UK workforce of more than 8,900 people and spends £76 million on supplies. The in-depth and independent report highlights Norse’s growing economic importance – nationally and locally – and praises its approach to staff training, work inclusion, community engagement and charitable giving. The group brings together Facilities Management provider Norse Commercial Services, property, design and management specialists NPS and care homes operator NorseCare. Peter Hawes, Managing Director of Norse Commercial Services, said: “We have always been extremely proud of the important role Norse plays both in Norfolk and across the UK – and that has now been both highlighted and reinforced by the findings of this comprehensive analysis. The remarkable figures detailed by SQW’s economists in the report speak for themselves and confirm what we have been saying here at Norse for many years.” “It is now perfectly clear that wherever Norse operates, in communities across the country, it is bringing millions of pounds worth of economic benefits, providing job security and boosting numerous other firms through the supply chain.” With public funds under unprecedented pressure, Norse not only generates significant savings for its public sector partners but also, though its ground-breaking partnership approach, provides welcome rebates for council funds. Norse’s joint ventures currently include partnerships with local authorities in Devon, Barnsley, Norwich, Enfield, Wigan, Great Yarmouth, Stockport, Waveney, Wellingborough, Suffolk, Waltham Forest and Hull. Authors of the SQW report commented: “From its beginnings in Norfolk, Norse has grown to become a significant national player with a very distinctive offer in relation to public service delivery.” Geoff Tucker, Sales Director of Norse Commercial Services, said: “Norse is certainly becoming renowned as a ‘force for good’ in the economy – providing secure jobs, training opportunities and millions of pounds worth of business for local companies through our supply chain. We are delighted that the expert economists at SQW have been able to demonstrate in detail the real difference Norse is making to local communities, workforces and businesses.” The report highlights Norse’s focus on employment and training, praising its ‘important role’ and ‘proactive approach’ in relation to employability, particularly people in hard-to-reach groups. Norse HR Director Tricia Fuller said: “People are right at the heart of everything we do at Norse – and we are well known at a national level for the way we focus on our staff, their welfare and their development.” For further information, visit www.norsegroup.co.uk or call Geoff Tucker on 01603 894262.