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Two months on from the international environment summit COP26, Sefton Council is pledging that 2022 will be the greenest year yet!

2022 will see a number of key projects reach or move towards completion and significantly reduce the carbon footprint generated from Council operations.

Work due to be completed later this year at Bootle and Southport town halls will result in carbon savings. It has consisted of new energy-efficiency measures such as double glazing and insulation , which will result in a 32% reduction in gas consumption. Across the Borough the installation of LED street lights is continuing with 3,311 lanterns installed so far along with 213 full column replacements. This has meant a saving 148,852 kWh of electricity already.

After significant progress towards a net zero carbon target of 2030 over the past two years, the Council is set to embark on key projects this year to reduce emissions Borough-wide.

Sefton Council recently approved plans for over £3 million to be spent on retrofit measures in over 500 homes in the Borough which will make homes more energy efficient, cheaper to run and better for the planet. Schools in Sefton are also getting involved in green projects like the AirWatch project to monitor air quality it playgrounds and set about improving it.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulation, Compliance and Corporate Services said: “I am extremely excited to see all the projects and initiatives we have planned to combat the climate emergency in 2022.

“Every year we get closer to our target date of net zero carbon by 2030 for our own operations and to see progress continue steadily towards this target is fantastic and a testament to our commitment to eliminate our net carbon footprint.

“I was so proud to see all the efforts and pledges right across our Borough during COP26 and it seems that spirit has followed us into 2022. I know this year will be productive in reducing borough wide emissions and our work with residents, businesses, partners and schools will make Sefton cleaner, greener and healthier.”

The Council, alongside partners, businesses and schools will honour those pledges made during COP26 as part of the Council’s #IPledge campaign which saw over 50 business and schools make pledges towards a greener future.

You can find the latest Sefton Climate Emergency Annual Report here. 

Sefton Council’s brand-new hospitality company is embarking on a recruitment drive.

Sefton Hospitality Operations Limited (or SHOL for short) is looking for local Sefton residents to fill a range of vacancies.

SHOL is a private company set up to create and operate hospitality outlets offering exciting, diverse, and accessible options for their customers. From hotels through to bars and restaurants, as well as outside catering, food delivery and events, SHOL aims to provide unique experiences for both its guests and employees.

SHOL may be the new kid on the hospitality industry block, but don’t be fooled – the management team has big plans! While its main operations will be focused on the newly-refurbished Crosby Lakeside, the team at SHOL has its sights set on other opportunities to grow the company, and is in talks to provide services at Bootle Canalside and a number of other potential concessions.

The roles being recruited to are permanent employment opportunities, with all roles paying a real living wage or above. There will be guaranteed interview opportunities to groups that may have previously faced barriers to employment (for example care leavers, or young people not in education, employment or training), with SHOL keen to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce.

This strategy is to be presented to Sefton Council’s Cabinet meeting next week and reflects the Council’s vision and values for its organisation and the borough, as well as for SHOL, a company wholly owned by Sefton.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, says:

“We formed the hospitality company to deliver career opportunities just like this. Although it’s still early days for Sefton’s Hospitality company, the focus for SHOL will be on being an employer of choice in the hospitality sector. The industry leading terms and conditions will be one part of an attractive offer to employees, ensuring that the company will be able to attract, develop and retain staff.  In short, if you treat your staff well, they will deliver high quality, memorable customer experiences.”

Training and development are paramount to the team at SHOL with “People First” being one of the company’s core values. The SHOL Academy will see us partnering with local education providers, alongside industry partners to create a program of training and experience to invest in our staff, so that by year 3 we’re appointing to 80% of our management positions from within.

Ben Hedley, Managing Director of SHOL, says:

“We have a number of immediate vacancies in all areas of the business, ranging from business development and finance, through to management and events. So whatever point you are at on your career journey, there will be an opportunity, and a career pathway, for you at SHOL.  You may well be brand new to working in hospitality, but we will invest in you, in your training and development so that you can carve yourself a long-term career in this industry.  I’m really keen that with initiatives such as the SHOL Academy we create a culture of opportunity and progression; so, as the business grows, so too will your career grow.”

If you would like more information about the job opportunities available at SHOL visit www.seftonatwork.net

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