GUEST COLUMN:
Catryn Newton
Community Investment and Communications Director
Bute Energy
At Bute Energy, demonstrating public and social value is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about deeply understanding the unique challenges that communities face and then tailoring our support to meet those needs.
This approach has been at the heart of our work across Wales as we aim to ensure that our infrastructure projects bring about tangible, meaningful change where it matters most.
We have spent the past two years – and expect to spend another two years – engaging with the communities near our proposed developments before any groundwork even begins. Our commitment is to truly understand the lived experiences of the people in these areas. We believe that by doing our homework and building strong, lasting relationships, we can create solutions that are relevant and impactful. With the largest dedicated community team of any developer in the UK, we’ve set out to meet and learn from these communities, recognising that no two areas are the same.
Wales is a diverse country, and the challenges faced by a rural community in one part of the country can be vastly different from those in more industrialised areas, such as Caerphilly. We take pride in our projects throughout Wales, and this variety means that our investment must be carefully targeted to reflect the specific needs of each community.
At Bute Energy, we believe that the solutions lie within the communities themselves. The organisations and people already working hard to improve their areas have invaluable insight, and our role is to support them. Our focus is on providing the necessary investment to enable these groups to reach their goals and thrive, amplifying the positive impact they are already having. It's not about us providing the answers; it’s about listening, enabling, and aligning our resources – and the resources and expertise of our contractors and partners - for the greatest possible benefit.
Crucially, we measure our success not only by the infrastructure we build but by the social impact we help foster. By listening to what communities need and providing the right support, we ensure that our projects bring about real and lasting value. It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities.
Our approach is about creating a lasting partnership between business and society, one where targeted investment drives measurable progress in addressing the societal challenges facing Wales.
We are committed to making sure that every investment we make delivers the greatest positive impact – resilient communities, meaningful opportunities, and sustainable economic impact.
