Recycling

In late 2005 the Group embarked on a plan to work with a recycling partner to handle the vast majority of waste from stores. Now 550 locations - around one third of our estate - are recycling around 85% of their waste, which is made up of polythene wrapping and cardboard.

A second phase of this plan will see recycling plans formalised for those remaining stores that are located within a shopping centre or retail park where there is a need to liaise with landlords and any existing recycling schemes.

In terms of our Head Office locations, our Leeds offices have an established system in place to manage the recycling of paper and the team is currently working on a second phase that would see the collection of aluminium cans, plastic bottles and magazines. Lamps from lighting units are already recycled. Meanwhile, food waste from the employee restaurant is now segregated and the group is actively seeking a partner to compost that waste.

In London, our offices are located on the upper floors within a shopping centre so we recognise the need to work closely with our landlord. Confidential waste is already handled by our own recycling partner and, as in Leeds, we receive certificates of confirmation. Because of space constraints, in the London office we are working with a partner to collect mixed waste that is taken away and sorted.