Social value
Engaging with the local community.
What is social value?
Social value is the quantification of the relative importance that people place on the changes they experience in their lives.
At Southbay, we define social value as the action we take to improve people’s wellbeing, whether that’s through the way we operate our business or the services we provide. The principles that underpin our approach – supporting the communities we work in and minimising our impact on the environment – are also driving change across the industry.
Through our Constructionline accreditation we have obtained our Social Value Certificate of Completion.
James Place Donation
We donated £500 to James’ Place to support their life-saving work with men in suicidal crisis. Our contribution helps fund professional therapy and safe spaces, ensuring those in need can access immediate support and guidance during the most difficult times.
Becoming a Period Positive Workplace
We’re proud to be taking steps towards becoming a Period Positive Workplace.
We are now providing free sanitary products in our facilities to ensure everyone has access to essential items whenever they need them. Alongside this, we’re encouraging staff to take part in educational webinars covering topics such as managing hormones, menopause and endometriosis.
We also plan to have members of our team complete training to better understand menopause and hormonal health, helping us create a more supportive and informed workplace for everyone.
We’re opening conversations and providing practical support, we hope to create an environment where women’s health is understood, supported and never stigmatised.
Nutrition and Hydration Week
We supported Nutrition and Hydration Week by encouraging our team to fuel their bodies and stay refreshed throughout the working day.
We’ve set up a table in the office filled with a variety of fresh fruits and juices for everyone to enjoy.
It’s a small gesture, but one that highlights the importance of maintaining good nutrition and staying hydrated, especially during busy workdays.
Looking after our health and wellbeing is just as important as the work we do on site, and we’re proud to promote simple habits that help keep our team feeling their best.
Work Experience Student Joins for a Week
As part of national careers week, we were pleased to welcome a work experience student to the business, giving her the opportunity to explore several different areas of the company.
Throughout the week she spent time with our marketing, accounts and health and safety teams to see and try the range of roles involved in delivering civil engineering projects.
She also visited South Shields Pier and Roker Pier to see some of the projects we have delivered in the past, which was one of her favourite experiences of the week.
She particularly enjoyed trying out marketing, where she created graphics, completed market research and helped support some of our upcoming social value initiatives.
It was great to see her enthusiasm and we hope the week has given her a useful insight into the industry and the many career paths available.
Newcastle College Careers Fair
We attended the Newcastle College Careers Fair morning, where we spoke with students about future careers in civil engineering.
It was a great opportunity to talk about the different roles available within the industry and discuss potential work experience opportunities.
Donation to The Whitechapel Centre
We proudly donated £500 to Whitechapel Centre, supporting people experiencing homelessness. This contribution helps fund essential services including safe accommodation, outreach support, and pathways into long-term housing, making a meaningful difference to individuals and communities in need.
My Future, My Choice Careers Event
During National Apprenticeship Week, our Marketing team attended the My Future, My Choice event at St James’ Park, speaking to students about careers in civil engineering.
Cramlington Learning Village - Careers Fair
Our Marketing Assistant attended Cramlington Learning Village’s Careers Fair alongside CECA North East. The event welcomed students from Year 8 to Year 13, giving them the opportunity to speak directly with employers and ask questions about different career paths. During the fair, we spoke to students about careers in civil engineering and how the industry can link to their GCSE and A-level subject choices.
Book Donation
We donated copies of ‘How Is It Built?’ Alongside copies of ‘Everyday STEM: Civil Engineering’ to Secondary schools across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.
These books help break down how the structures we rely on every day are designed, built, and brought to life, making civil engineering accessible, engaging, and fun.
Under 15s Washington FC Wildcats Division 5 Sponsorship
We sponsored the Under 15s Washington FC Wildcats with their brand-new kit.
As we celebrate 25 years of Southbay in 2026, we’re committing to completing 25 social value initiatives across the year.
We look forward to cheering on the team throughout the season!
Foodbank Donation to Wirral Foodbank
We are proud to have donated £500 to Wirral Foodbank to support the vital work they do within the local community.
Wirral Foodbank provides emergency food and support to individuals and families facing financial hardship, helping ensure that no one has to go without essentials during difficult times.
With demand for foodbanks continuing to rise, donations like this help fund food supplies, distribution, and ongoing support services.
This is one of several social value initiatives we are delivering as part of our Canning Dock Closure Wall contract.
Middlesbrough College Site Visit
We were delighted to welcome students from Middlesbrough College to Redcar Bulk Terminal for an exclusive behind-the-scenes site visit.
Two groups of aspiring engineers joined us for a presentation and guided tour of the site, learning more about the work that goes into maintaining and developing one of the North East’s key industrial hubs.
During the visit, students learned about the different routes into the civil engineering industry, from apprenticeships to degree pathways, and how each role plays a vital part in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
We also went through the scope of our ongoing works at Redcar Bulk Terminal, where our team is carrying out essential civil engineering improvements to support the site’s operations and future development.
The students got a closer look at how we plan and deliver projects safely and efficiently, exploring the methods and specialist equipment we use, from heavy plant and machinery to innovative engineering techniques.
5th Cramlington Guides STEM Donation
As part of our initiative to encourage more women into STEM careers, we had the pleasure of supporting the 5th Cramlington Guides in achieving their Civil Engineering badge. This initiative aimed to introduce young girls to the exciting world of engineering through a hands-on and engaging activity.
To make the experience both educational and interactive, we donated den-making kits to the unit, challenging them to construct creative sculptures. Working in teams of four, each participant was assigned a role within their project including a Health and Safety Officer, Project Manager, Construction Manager, and Design Engineer. This structure allowed them to experience key responsibilities within the construction industry and develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The activity not only helped the Guides gain a deeper understanding of civil engineering principles but also demonstrated the importance of collaboration and leadership in the field. By taking on these roles, they saw firsthand how engineers work together to bring designs to life safely and efficiently.
Encouraging young girls to explore STEM subjects is vital in shaping the future of engineering, and we are proud to have been part of this initiative. We look forward to supporting more projects that inspire the next generation of engineers.
My Future, My Choice Careers Event
As part of National Appreticeship Week, we celebrated our apprentices and promoted the various careers opportunities available in the civil engineering industry.
During the week we attended the My Future, My Choice careers event at St James Park in Newcastle.
The careers event brought together students, schools, colleges and employers from across the city.
We had the pleasure of meeting enthusiastic students who were eager to learn about both the civil engineering industry and the career opportunities Southbay currently offer
To help the students take their first step towards a career in civil engineering, we provided activity booklets filled with CV tips, industry insights, and career guidance.
We look forward to welcoming some of these future employees to our team soon, and to continuing our commitment to developing new talent in the industry.
Foodbank 2024
In November, we organised a foodbank collection to support families in need during the festive season. Employees donated essential items like canned food, pasta, and hygiene products, with a collection point set up for convenience.
The response was overwhelming, with all donations delivered in time for the Christmas holidays.
Additionally, our company is committed to making monetary donations to foodbanks local to our live projects, further extending our support to the communities in which we operate.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, and look forward to supporting similar causes in the future.
Movember Tombola
Our staff participated in a Movember Tombola, and with their generosity we raised £250 for Tyneside Mind! The company has kindly doubled the funds, raising the total to £500.
Tyneside Mind is a mental health charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the Tyneside area who are experiencing mental health challenges. They provide a range of services, including counselling, peer support, advocacy, and educational workshops, aiming to promote mental well-being and resilience. Tyneside Mind also works to reduce stigma around mental health through community initiatives and campaigns, ensuring people of all ages can access the help they need in a compassionate and understanding environment.
We hope our contribution can make a difference.
Benfield School Girls In STEM Morning
On Friday 18th October, we had the privilege of speaking with an enthusiastic group of Year 8 and 9 girls from Benfield School about the dynamic world of civil engineering. This was an incredible opportunity to showcase what we do at Southbay and introduce the girls to the exciting possibilities within the industry. We encouraged the girls to consider civil engineering as a career option, reminding them that diversity in the industry brings new perspectives and creativity. There was a great amount of enthusiasm from the girls and we’re hopeful that we’ve planted some seeds for the next generation of female leaders in civil engineering.
Southbay Sponsors Killingworth U9 Football Team
We are delighted to announce that Southbay has become the proud sponsor of the Killingworth Under-9’s football team. Our sponsorship has provided the team with new football strips. We look forward to cheering on the team throughout the season and watching them develop their skills on the pitch.
The Big Dippa Race Sponsorship
On Saturday 24th August 2024, Southbay sponsored the women’s paddle boarding race at The Big Dippa in Whitley Bay. This year’s race saw an incredible turnout of passionate paddlers from across the region. Supporting the Big Dippa Women Paddle Board Race shows our dedication to encouraging active lifestyles and promoting environmental responsibility. We extend our congratulations to all the participants, especially the winners, Annabel Page and Emily Evans, who braved the elements and came out on top.
Durham County Show Sponsorship
Southbay took part in the Durham County Show as proud sponsors. This event was a wonderful opportunity for us to show our dedication to the local community and to honour talents within the region. Our participation in the show reflects our commitment to supporting the community.
AJX Academy Sponsored Jackets
Southbay have sponsored the AJX Academy under 8s football team by providing training jackets for the players. AJX Academy play in the Russell Foster Youth League Division 3, which includes teams throughout Tyne and Wear. We are delighted to support these young athletes and hope the new kit will help to instil a sense of pride in representing their team.
Newcastle to Gateshead Marathon
On Sunday 5th May 2024 Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd sponsored the Runthrough Newcastle to Gateshead Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Junior’s event. The route followed the Gateshead and Newcastle quayside, which included crossing the iconic Swing Bridge, finishing at the Gateshead International Stadium. As part of our commitment to improving staff wellbeing, all of our staff were encouraged to take part in the event. Thanks to all who visited us at our stand within the event village.
Southbay have been working in partnership with Tyne Coast College to educate students as to the opportunities offered by the industry in terms of future employment. As part of this, we have also offered a position of employment to an existing student who joined the company in an apprentice capacity, attending 1 day a week at college to study towards a Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery, whilst gaining invaluable experience working across our live projects. In addition to delivering a presentation to the students outlining the role of joinery in civil engineering, we provided a site visit to one of our live construction sites where the students were provided with the opportunity to meet with our General Foreman David Hunter, and Operations Manager Graham Taylor. We look forward to developing our relationship with the college and offering further opportunities to students in the future. Outside of this, we have recently employed an apprentice Site Engineer in Daniel Collins, and Trainee Quantity Surveyor Luca Turnbull.
Tyne Coast College - Apprenticeship Opportunities
Work Placement
Lighthouse Club
We are proud to announce that we are continuing our position as an official company supporter to the Lighthouse Club charity. The Lighthouse Club is the only charity that provides mental, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction industry and their families. We look forward to promoting the initiatives of the charity throughout 2022.
Herring Girl
Southbay are proud to support the North Shields Fisherman’s Heritage Project, who are currently in the process of raising funds to construct a life size statuette of a Herring Girl. The statuette will recognise the role of women in the fishing industry, where many worked tirelessly to process the thousands of tons of Herring Fish that were once landed on North Shields Fish Quay. For those wishing to donate to this regionally significant project, please visit
Christmas Foodbank
We would like to thank all of our staff and clients who contributed to our Christmas Foodbank Appeal. A total of £362 was raised in support of the Newcastle West End Foodbank in addition to a number of food parcels.
Newcastle West End Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
Student Site Visit
Emphasising our commitment to the engineers of tomorrow, Southbay hosted civil engineering students from Northumbria University at our Tyne Dock Enterprise Park Quay Wall project within the Port of Tyne. The day consisted of a series of presentations to detail the project, followed by a site visit. We look forward to continuing this relationship with the university in order to promote the industry and the many exciting career opportunities that exist.
Great North Bike Ride 2021
Following the efforts of our Technical Manager Adrian Haggart and Site Foreman Steve Hancock, we are pleased to announce that over £1000 in sponsorship has been raised as a result of the Great North Bike Ride. The route covers a distance of 60 miles from Seahouses to Tynemouth, with all proceeds going to the Chris Lucas Trust, a charity which funds cancer research into Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Great North Bike Ride – 60 mile sportive in Northumberland
Childhood and Young Adults Cancer Research | The Chris Lucas Trust | England
Lighthouse Club
Southbay were pleased to offer student Daniel Collins the opportunity to join the company for 1 week of work experience. Daniel was invited to spend time on a number of our live sites, where he was provided with the opportunity to undertake a series of project related tasks. To give Daniel an understanding of the various roles available within the industry, he also spent time with our Health and Safety Advisor.
‘I really enjoyed my work experience and found being on a construction site really interesting. It was great to learn about how things are built and the different role everyone has.’