Interview with Bob Truesdale, General Manager of Scutum South West: Supporting the Local Community in the South West
Bob, let’s start with a brief overview of Scutum South West’s involvement in supporting the local community and the wider approach by Scutum Group UK on charitable ventures.
Bob Truesdale: At Scutum South West, we believe in giving back to our community, which is why we’ve been sponsoring Plymouth Albion for about 20 years. This relationship began when I was working for another business that was a direct competitor of Securi-Guard. When that business was acquired by Chubb, Securi-Guard stepped in, and we’ve continued our support under the Scutum name.
What were the initial goals and objectives when you decided to sponsor Plymouth Albion?
Bob Truesdale: Initially, it was about building a strong community connection. We’re a family-run business supporting a family-run club. It’s a mutual effort to help the club and contribute to our local community. Over the years, we’ve sponsored their fire and security systems at Brickfields Stadium and even had our logo on their shirt sleeves for several seasons.
Can you tell us more about other community initiatives Scutum South West is involved in?
Bob Truesdale: Recently, we signed up to support Plymouth Albion’s community side as well. They have a golf day in July, and we’re sponsoring a couple of holes, the longest drive, and the nearest to the pin. The funds raised will go towards providing free food for kids at their half-term clubs. It’s another way for Scutum Group UK to give back to the community.
It sounds like you have a broad range of charitable activities. Can you share some other examples?
Bob Truesdale: Certainly. For instance, Gina Williams, Head of Finance South West, is raising funds for the Primrose Trust by walking to the top of Snowdon. The Primrose Trust is looking to build a new facility similar to the Chestnut unit at our main hospital in the South West. We’re sponsoring her effort. We’ve also supported initiatives like setting up a CCTV System for a church that was vandalised and also supplying CCTV for a community hub in the Keyham area of Plymouth which was devastated following the shootings in 2021.
How do you see these efforts benefiting the local business community?
Bob Truesdale: Supporting local charities strengthens our ties to the community. It’s part of our corporate social responsibility, and it shows that we care. The people we help are always incredibly grateful, and it’s rewarding to see the positive impact we can have. It’s about more than just business; it’s about investing in our community and helping those in need.
How does Scutum Group UK approach charitable ventures on a broader scale?
Bob Truesdale: As a group, we are committed to supporting various causes. For example, we’re gold sponsors for Maggie’s charity golf day. Stewart Ward at Electro Guard has been looking after Maggie’s fire and security needs since it was built. We also supported Jane Hermon from Scutum South East when she did a walk for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. Across Scutum Group UK, we foster a culture of care, both internally and externally, and it’s something we’re very proud of.
It’s clear that charity is a significant part of the Scutum Group UK company culture. How do you see this evolving in the future?
Bob Truesdale: We plan to continue our support and look for new opportunities to give back. It’s essential to stay connected with our community and support causes that matter. As our company grows, so will our capacity to help. We want to ensure that we’re always in a position to support those in need and make a meaningful impact.
Thank you, Bob, for sharing these insights. It’s inspiring to see how Scutum South West and the wider Scutum Group UK are making a difference.
Bob Truesdale: Thank you. It’s a team effort, and we’re all committed to making a positive impact.
Feel free to reach out to Bob Truesdale for more information on Scutum South West’s community initiatives or to get involved in their charitable efforts.