SMS partners with Purpose Coalition on UK Levelling Up Impact Report

As a signatory of the coalition’s ‘Purpose Goals’, SMS joins a collective of private and public sector organisations committed to making positive impacts on communities through support of the UK Government’s levelling up agenda.

Smart energy solutions group, SMS plc, has today announced a partnership with the Purpose Coalition on a Levelling Up Impact Report, which sets out the contribution of leading private and public sector organisations to the UK’s levelling up agenda.

Whilst Purpose Coalition remains apolitical, this Levelling Up Impact Report is the Government’s flagship plan which comprises a raft of policies that aim to narrow regional inequality, bridge the country’s long-standing economic divides, and improve overall living standards. The Purpose Coalition brings together a collective of purpose-led companies, universities, and public sector organisations which are committed to helping deliver on these objectives. In cooperating on the Levelling Up Impact Report – to be published later this year – SMS and other coalition members will highlight the work being undertaken to make positive impacts on communities across British society.

SMS, which employees 1,300 people nationwide and is best known for installation and operation of smart meters, is the latest organisation to sign up to the coalition’s ‘Purpose Goals’. The goals were established in 2021 by former Education Secretary Justine Greening with input from a wide range of cross-sector stakeholders and are designed to provide a framework to help address socio-economic challenges following the pandemic.

In addition to its work on the Government-mandated smart meter rollout – a key national infrastructure project considered essential for enabling energy decarbonisation – SMS also provides a range of other solutions focussed on making energy cleaner and more affordable. This includes developing a large pipeline of battery storage sites and the delivery of home energy technologies at zero upfront cost to social housing tenants.

Tim Mortlock, Chief Executive Officer of SMS, said: “Sustainability is one of the core values that proudly upholds everything we do at SMS. Of course, that means not just doing what we can to help our environment, it is also about contributing to the prosperity of people and society in general. For today’s responsible organisations, that means promoting policies that prioritise wellbeing, open recruitment, and fair career progression, as well as nurturing truly diverse and inclusive workforces. We’re delighted to join other like-minded companies as part of the Purpose Coalition and look forward to reporting on our continued contribution to the levelling up agenda through the forthcoming Impact Report.”

Justine Greening, Founder of the Purpose Coalition, added: “Harnessing the energy transition is a fundamental part of levelling up. Investment in a green economy and the move to net zero have the potential to bring new opportunities to areas across the country. It’s crucial that these are accessible to everyone, and business are at the forefront of creating innovative solutions to do that.

“With its experience and expertise in the energy market, SMS can help ensure that the energy transition delivers real social impact in the communities where help is most needed. It has already committed as a company to reach net zero by 2030 and can further play a leading role in addressing the environmental challenges that we all face, using its capabilities and resources to drive positive change for its customers, colleagues and communities. The Purpose Coalition is proud to be working with SMS on its Levelling Up Impact Report, to share its best practice and improve outcomes, closing the opportunity gap in the energy sector.”

In joining the Purpose Coalition, SMS has become a signatory of the four of the 14 Purpose Goals. These are:

• Harness the energy transition;
• Open recruitment;
• Fair career progression; and
• Good health & wellbeing