COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Supporting big ideas with Solutions for the Planet

We’ve taken an active role in building innovative partnerships between young people and businesses, mentoring school students in the South East to support and develop their ideas.


In September 2015, over 3,300 secondary school students joined the Solutions for the Planet ‘Big Ideas’ programme, which aims to build innovation partnerships between young people, businesses and communities. The programme targeted 24 schools across West Yorkshire, West Midlands and the South East.

We supported the students in the development of their ‘Big Ideas’, which take the form of workable solutions to key environmental, social and economic challenges, alongside other partners of Solutions for the Planet, SGN, Brammer and Balfour Beatty. The ultimate aim is the encourage young people to potential careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, to raise awareness of environmental and social sustainability problems and provide support to students’ enterprise ideas through employee mentoring.

Martyn Kenny, our Sustainability Director, was one of the judges at the finals event. He said: “The teams had really engaged with the programme and developed some fantastic ideas. I was proud to see Tarmac volunteers at the Finals who have supported the schools throughout the year. No doubt their enthusiasm and encouragement have contributed to the standard of the entries this year.”

Feedback from the winning team shows how the programme is really making a difference: “The Solutions for the Planet programme has inspired me to really think big! Anyone can help change the world and I would definitely want to work in the STEM field in the future.”

We are continuing our partnership with Solutions for the Planet and will be looking for more colleagues to volunteer as business mentors next year. If you are interested in supporting the programme then please e-mail [email protected].

For more information about Solutions For The Planet, please visit solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk