CSR consultancy spreads wings to Whitehaven

Tyne and Wear-based Gaiacene, a socio-economics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) firm, was set up in 2012 by managing director Craig White.

His wife, Helen, is originally from Whitehaven and still has family living in the town.

Craig, who has 20 years of experience working in the socio-economics, sustainability and CSR sector, is now looking to establish a base in the area following the successful completion of contracts with Nuclear Management Partners (NMP) and Sellafield Ltd.

He said: “Working with NMP and Sellafield has given me confidence that West Cumbria is a great place to do business. It’s even more appealing given the strong family ties my wife and I have with Whitehaven. Setting up an official base in the town makes perfect sense both professionally and personally.”

Gaiacene supported NMP in the development of their new long-term socio-economics programme. Named Enrich, the three-month project included developing a new approach to socio-economics delivery in West Cumbria with innovative communications and stakeholder engagement ideas.

Gary McKeating, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at NMP said: “Gaiacene provided us with excellent and professional consultancy support. I very much look forward to seeing Gaiacene establishing a base here in Cumbria.”

Gaiacene also carried out a project for Sellafield Ltd, which involved integrating sustainability into their transport and access needs.

Craig said: “The two West Cumbrian contracts have proven invaluable for Gaiacene and has supported us with our ambitious growth plans. My goal is to establish Gaiacene as a leading expert socio-economics and CSR consultancy and deliver high impact results for our clients and their communities.”

Gaiacene have also recently joined Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster network so they can share their expertise and build strong relationships with its members. Craig said: “We are delighted to have been accepted into this network and are very much looking forward to making new connections and supporting other companies on their socio-economic and CSR plans to benefit the community of West Cumbria.”