Community

Victoria recognises the importance of our contribution to the local communities in which we operate and have forged strong links with these communities; in many instances, employing several generations of the same families within our operations.

Victoria has benefitted greatly from our communities and we therefore believe that we have a strong responsibility to support and contribute to these communities, which we do in a number of ways:

In December 2010, through various charity fund raising events held throughout the year against fellow carpet firms, more than £1,200 was raised to pay for toys for pupils of a special needs school within the Kidderminster area.  Previous funds have also been raised for the Midlands Air Ambulance and the Millbrook Suite.

We provide work experience opportunities for students attending local educational schools and colleges.

In the UK, we sponsor our local cricket team, Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club, who for their sixth season are playing in the Premier Division of the Birmingham League.

Many of the young players go on to play County Cricket, including England cricketer, Steve Davies, who started his career playing for Victoria Carpets and Kidderminster Victoria as a youngster.

Charitable and political contributions

Victoria encourages employee involvement in charitable causes.

In the UK, Victoria promotes a Give As You Earn scheme where employees can make regular donations through payroll to registered charities such as Dr Barnardos, Save the Children Fund, Midlands Society for the Blind and the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT), one of the major carpet industry charities which supports needy retired employees within the trade.
 
As well as giving through payroll, employees throughout the Group regularly support other charities by holding various "event" days. At Christmas, employees can elect to donate to local charities rather than sending Christmas cards within the Company. The Company also supports employees who take part in sponsored activities on behalf of local.

There were no contributions to political organisations during the financial year ended 2 April 2011.