Mears Group and Leeds Rhinos Foundation have teamed up once again to sign a partnership agreement that will see them working together until March 2021.
The agreement, signed on Monday 24th June, recognises Mears as the main partner of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and allows both companies to work together on initiatives aligned with Leeds City Council’s ‘Best Council Plan’s’ outcomes and priorities.
In addition to the partnership, Mears has also extended its sponsorship of the Leeds Rhinos Women’s Super League team. As well as being the main shirt sponsor for the Women’s team, Mears branding will be visible on all publicity for the Women’s and Girls teams and within the Emerald Headingley Stadium.
Encouraging more female tenants into the construction industry is the main social value focus for Mears in Leeds. From plumbing to bricklaying, or buying to bid writing, women remain massively under-represented in the construction industry. Mears is looking to increase the number of apprenticeships and employment opportunities (including work placements / experience) and providing skills / training opportunities for its tenants, with women and girls being the main target.
The Leeds Rhinos Foundation aims to help more women in Leeds get involved in playing rugby league. By working together both organisations can use each other’s’ skills and expertise to offer women and girls in Leeds opportunities for employment and opportunities to keep fit and healthy.
Dan Busfield, Head of Partnerships and Development at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said:
"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Mears Ltd, which is now into its 6th year.
“Mears has a strong reputation within Leeds, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mears on a variety of exciting initiatives which will help make a real difference to the communities in which we live, work and play.
“We know that the principles of how both organisations work are transferrable. By working in partnership, we can bring so much more to encourage girls and women to look outside of their comfort zones and choose to take up rugby league and/or have a career in construction.
Alan Long, Executive Director at Mears Group, said:
“I am delighted that we are able to continue the mutually beneficial partnership that we have built up with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation over the years.
“This was an easy decision to continue with the agreement. The Foundation shares our beliefs and commitments, and its activities take them right into the hearts of local communities where we work.
“There is a massive skills shortage facing the industry, and it is therefore even more crucial to encourage women to choose a career in construction.
“This partnership means we can continue to do so much more, particularly around encouraging women and girls to consider the construction industry as their first career choice - whether starting as an apprentice, undertaking a work placement / experience or joining the industry later as their next career step.
“Mears in partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is a relationship will continue to grow and make a tangible difference the people of Leeds.”