Family Values Guiding the Business
Portakabin was founded in 1961 by Donald Shepherd, as part of the Shepherd Building Group and is still owned by the 5th generation of the Shepherd family . Today Portakabin employ close to 1900 employees across 9 countries in Europe. Portakabin are market leaders in the design, manufacturing and installation of modular buildings, having pioneered the field of offsite construction and continue to innovate and lead the field of modular and sustainable construction. Portakabin have for a long time been leaders in supporting their communities, both around their headquarters in Yorkshire, their operations in the UK and their sites across mainland Europe.
20 years ago, the Shepherd family developed their family constitution, setting out their family values which include a community focussed ethos. This constitution guides the business and shapes the many decisions made by Portakabin’s business leadership. It is through this constitution as well as regular meetings with the firm’s leadership, that the Shepherd family maintain a strong connection for themselves and their values, with the family business. These family values shape the business culture.
The values that drive Portakabin can be distilled into three main areas: delivering an excellent customer experience, having a positive impact on people and communities and protecting the planet.
When it comes to supporting communities, Portakabin have a clear plan to deliver positive social value through:
· Employing locally and working with local supply chains on projects.
· Engaging and inspiring young people.
· Donating time through our employee-supported volunteering programme.
· Supporting charities and acting considerately in our communities.
Mentoring for students
Portakabin has partnered with York High School, to provide mentorship to 20 students in Year 10, once every year. Over an 18-month period, 20 members of staff from across the Portakabin business serve as mentors to the students helping to raise their aspirations, develop their communications skills, recognise their abilities and provide them with direction and focus. Opportunities are also provided to the students to gain work experience, develop their CV, and attend interview workshops and careers events.
Matching Employee Charitable Donations
Employees involved in charity events such as running a marathon, can apply for donations of up to £150 for the charity. Larger donations, up to £2,500, are available every six months for sponsorships of sports and activity clubs.
Employees at Portakabin have at least one day per year to dedicate to volunteering for a charity or an organisation of their choice. The activities they undertake could be running an activity at a care home, clearing a school garden, or painting a youth club. This enables employees to use their skills to support local charities in meaningful ways.
Sustainability
As part of their commitment to protect the planet Portakabin is targeting to becoming net zero in scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and total net zero (including scope 3) by 2040 with no reliance on carbon offsetting. Additionally, Portakabin have embraced the circular economy and for some time have been a zero-landfill manufacturer.
Portakabin has served the industry and their local communities for over 60 years and under the continued guidance of the Shepherd family will continue to make a positive impact in their sector and wider society.