SMI PARTNERS WITH FORESTS WITH IMPACT

Creating meaningful impact relies on collaboration and shared goals.

That’s why SMI is proud to announce our national partnership with Forests With Impact. Together, we’re supporting UK afforestation, boosting biodiversity, and delivering meaningful social benefits.

ABOUT FORESTS WITH IMPACT

Forests With Impact began in 2019 when a group of organisations in Cumbria came together to support the environment and local communities.

The region faced limited employment due to its remote location. The partners identified an opportunity at HMP Haverigg, which offered an unused building for a skills centre and over five acres of land to utilise.

This led to the creation of a commercial tree nursery.

Prisoners on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) help grow seedlings that support tree planting, biodiversity, and carbon reduction targets. Any profits from the nursery are reinvested in further training for inmates and community development projects.

BUILDING ON OUR SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT

Sustainability has long been a priority for SMI.

Over the past two years, we’ve supported global afforestation projects that have planted more than 45,000 trees.

Partnering with Forests With Impact allows us to extend our environmental efforts in the UK and contribute to projects that create real, lasting change.

SUPPORTING THE PROJECT

To kick off the partnership, we’re supplying uniforms for prisoners working in the polytunnels. The order is currently being processed, with further support planned.

Each SMI employee is entitled to one paid volunteering day per year, a benefit we’re proud to offer as it allows our staff to support causes they care about.

Our team will use this to contribute directly to Forests With Impact activities and support the project's progress.

WHY THIS PARTNERSHIP MATTERS

This collaboration delivers real, measurable impact:

• Strengthening local communities
• Boosting biodiversity and nature recovery
• Helping organisations work towards Net Zero
• Supporting UK afforestation and tree planting
• Creating skills and employment opportunities

LOOKING AHEAD

We’re proud to support an initiative that delivers clear environmental and social benefits. Partnerships like this reflect our commitment to doing business responsibly and creating lasting change.

SMI is always seeking new collaborations that drive sustainable change and deliver tangible results across the UK.

To explore partnership opportunities with SMI, get in touch with our Head of ESG and Sustainable Procurement.