Bridging Social Responsibility with Commercial Competitiveness
Give Industries, a certified social enterprise headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, has experienced remarkable and sustainable growth since its establishment five years ago. Conceived with the aim of delivering electrical services to diverse organizations and directing all profits towards certified charitable organisations that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Give Industries has not only fulfilled its social mission but has also solidified its position as a commercially competitive enterprise.
“Five years is a great mark to reflect on our journey as a social enterprise. We have a social and sustainable purpose in our hearts and operate with a business and strategic mindset, just like any other electrical services provider. We have now proved that we are commercially competitive by offering high quality and reasonably priced services.”- Kat Dekker, Founder and Director, Give Industries
Certified Social Enterprise with Ambitious Expansion Plans
Certified by Social Traders in 2019, Give Industries operates with a dual purpose: to provide high-quality electrical services and to support charitable causes. The company joined the Social Traders Grow Program, aiming to expand its reach to Queensland-based Tier 1 and Tier 2 contracting and construction companies as well as property developers. The organisation also has plans to expand its operations to Victoria in the first half of 2024 by opening an office in Melbourne.
Giving Back with Purpose: Charitable Commitment and Impact
Give Industries distinguishes itself by donating 100% of its profits to certified charitable organisations aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Since its inception, the company has donated over $360,000, with an additional $200,000 committed for 2024. Give Industries have increased their annual donations from 10k (FY19) to 141k (FY23). To date, recipient charities have included Original Power, the Against Malaria Foundation, GiveDirectly, Living Goods, and Animals Australia.
Commitment to Quality, Safety, and Environment
Give Industries' unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility is clearly demonstrated through its certifications. In March, this year, Give Industries received ISO 45001 (Safety Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications. These accolades underscore Give Industries' commitment to upholding the highest operational standards.
Niche Expertise and Competitive Success
Give Industries employs 15 staff, including a team of qualified electricians who specialise in electrical fit outs and maintenance for various sectors, including retail, hospitality, office, and residential buildings. In 5 years, Give Industries has grown from one employee (FY19) to 15 employees (FY23). Their focus on niche expertise allows the company to deliver high-quality services while remaining competitively priced.
In 2021, Give Industries achieved a major milestone by securing a three-year contract with the Brisbane City Council for electrical maintenance in parks, libraries, and public spaces. This success underscores the company's capacity to effectively compete with larger electrical contractors in the council's area, solidifying its strong commercial position.
Charting an Ambitious Path
By 2025, Give Industries aims to have donated one million dollars to charitable organisations, and by 2030, it plans to reach an annual donation target of one million dollars. To realise these objectives, the social enterprise appointed its first general manager, Michael Witteveen, who brings more than 20 years of experience to drive sustainable growth and positive social impact. With a desire to extend its reach and impact, Give Industries plans to expand its presence beyond Brisbane.
“We want to have a significant impact because, unfortunately, there are significant problems that need to be solved, and we cannot do that if we keep our presence only in Brisbane. We want to grow to fuel our high donations.” - Kat Dekker, Founder and Director, Give Industries
Give Industries is a testament to how a social enterprise can successfully combine a social and sustainable mission with a strategic and business-focused mindset. Its journey over the past five years, characterised by impressive growth, financial success, and social impact, showcases the possibilities of creating a business that does good for society. As Give Industries continues to expand its operations and reach, it stands as an inspiring example of how businesses can make a meaningful contribution to the community while thriving in a competitive market.