One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is taking a hands on approach to our community based activities. I need no convincing that what we do in our East Midlands heartland plays an important part in growing our local identity.

There is no better illustration of this than our Community Support Scheme which was launched in 2007. Over the last 5 years we have distributed in excess of £50,000 to more than 150 local deserving causes involved in sport, the arts, helping the elderly and disadvantaged, supporting education and development or benefiting the environment. The local economy has gone through some difficult times in recent years and this has had a dramatic impact on the amount of funding available to charities and other deserving causes.

Of course, we are by no means immune from the financial challenges brought about by the financial downturn but we will continue to do what we can to support the many good works undertaken locally - in most cases on a voluntary basis. I remain convinced that the benefits represent a worthwhile return on our investment.

We also operate a Work in the Community Scheme and actively encourage staff to take two days per calendar year paid leave to lend their support to organisations of their choice.

Another example of our community focus is the money we raise for the John Eastwood Hospice in Sutton-in-Ashfield and Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield both of which are benefiting by way of financial incentives introduced to encourage voting in connection with the 2012 Annual General Meeting. Both hospices have excellent reputations in the area and we are delighted to help them out.

As you can see, we take a great deal of pride in our community activities and I am already looking to build on this for the benefit of local people.