10/09/2026
Our Social Value & CSR Journey: Why Giving Back Matters
Dave Harvey, Company Director, Virtue Limited
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is often treated as corporate jargon to tick boxes. In reality, it’s simply about businesses taking responsibility for their impact on people, ethics, and the local community. For me, it’s personal.
I struggled academically, left home at 15, and was later medically discharged from the Army. Finding a trade apprenticeship at PM Training was an absolute lifeline. Under the mentorship of Stephen Rushton I learned craft, structure, and professional standards—the foundation that built Virtue Limited.
All these years later, Steve is still mentoring me, helping guide our business and keep our CSR values sharp. For that friendship: thank you, Steve.
Today, that journey has come full circle.
Key Social Value Metrics:
• 64% Apprenticeship Retention: 9 of our 14 current team members came through the exact same trade route I did.
• 100% Pro Bono Plant & Labour: Charitable projects include donated access equipment, specialist coatings, and paid tradesmen.
• Active Talent Pipeline: 1 full-time apprentice currently employed with Burslem College.
• School Outreach: Official Ambassador Sponsor supporting Training and Business Solutions Ltd in schools.
Investing in the Next Generation:
Through his Company, Training and Business Solutions Ltd, Steve is the voice on the ground, visiting schools to inspire young people. When Steve talks, please take my advice and listen to the man—our workforce is living proof that apprenticeships work. Outside work, we proudly sponsor FC 41 Under 18s to support local youth fitness and teamwork.
Community & Charitable Work:
• Men’s Mental Health Facility: Donated a scissor lift, commercial paint, and 100% skilled labour to transform a new specialist space for men facing mental health crises.
• St Matthew’s Church Landmark: Supplied our mobile scaffolding, coatings, and labour free of charge to restore the high-level external cross for the parish.
Our Commitment:
As Virtue grows, our community must benefit too, no matter the size of the contribution. Kindness is like a ripple on a lake: drop in a little genuine support, and it spreads far beyond what you can see.
.And to think, it all starts with a young adult pulling on their boots for day one as an apprentice!
