We’re delighted to share that two social infrastructure projects managed by EMS have been recognised with Gold Standard Awards at the 2025 InfraRed Capital Partners Creating Better Future Awards, held in June.
- Salford & Wigan BSF in both communities and people category; and
- Lewisham Schools in the people category
Salford & Wigan BSF was celebrated for its partnership with Salford City Football Club (SCFC), giving academy players access to school sports facilities, and for installing a book vending machine at a local primary school to encourage reading through a weekly reward scheme.
The SCFC partnership has also brought wider benefits. The club now uses St. Ambrose and Moorside facilities for training and matchdays and is actively involved in supporting local football teams with coaching. They’ve also committed to visiting schools to offer motivational talks and career guidance; an offer welcomed by Headteachers and the local authority alike.
With SCFC pledging to support the initiative for the next three years, we’re excited about what’s to come – both for the students involved and for the wider Salford community.
Lewisham Schools was recognised for its impactful work with crime prevention charity Jab Don’t Stab. The initiative offers at-risk students a positive and structured outlet through boxing sessions, helping steer them away from knife crime.
“Both of these projects have had such a positive impact – not just on the pupils and their learning environments, but on the wider community as well.” said Kirsteen Hughes, Associate Director at EMS and SPV Representative.
“The book vending scheme generated so much excitement among the children. Parents told us how their kids were reading more at home just to win a token for the machine and even thanked the Headteacher for the difference it made.”
We’re proud to play a role in these initiatives and projects, which not only reflect EMS’s commitment to delivering meaningful societal benefits but also show what’s possible when communities, schools and partners work together to create positive change.
Interested in more? Discover how we’re driving real impact through our unwavering commitment to ESG in this article: Environmental, Social & Governance of the Year – Equitix Group
