Community & Values

Our Commitment to the Community

The Explorer Group have a strong commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility. 

One example of their community involvement is an interactive coffee tasting event for pupils and teachers at local schools. These events not only provide an educational experience but also foster a sense of connection with the community. The store teams are always impressed by the pupils' enthusiasm and curiosity, and provide refreshments, food, and goody bags to make the occasion memorable. 

Furthermore, The Explorer Group's stores across the region have been actively involved in community outreach efforts, such as collecting and distributing selection boxes to food banks, care homes, and other locations in need.

This effort, aimed at giving back to the communities they serve, exemplifies their dedication to making a positive impact in their local areas.

The Kennedy & Geddes Trust

The Kennedy & Geddes Trust was set up by the Geddes family in March 2022 as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is entirely funded by donations from The Explorer Group.

In recognition of the hardship suffered by many following the COVID crisis, the Geddes family set up the Trust as a grant giving body to provide money to local organisations helping those in need in Scotland.

The Trustees chose to narrow the focus of their charitable aims to the promotion of education and the relief of poverty.  The Trust particularly focuses on education as the trustees believe in the value of education, not so much as a means to an end, but as an end in itself.   Education and an ability to learn, both improve quality of life at every age and increase the choices available to throughout life whether that be further education or employment.

In the past year the Trust has donated to the following organisations:

  • Helm Training Ltd, Dundee
  • The School Bank West Lothian
  • Edinburgh School Uniform Bank
  • East Lothian Food Bank
  • Dundee & Angus Food Bank
  • The Bridges Project, Musselburgh
  • Bethany Christian Trust (Anne Hope House)
  • Ocean Youth Trust
  • FetLor Club, Edinburgh
  • Chapter One
  • Launch IT
  • East Lothian Food Bank
  • The Hygiene Bank Edinburgh
  • Dundee United Community Trust
  • Spartans Community Foundation
  • Tall Ships Youth Trust
  • Light Up Learning

The Trust is happy to receive applications for funding from Scottish charities whose activities fit within our stated aims.

Ormiston Primrose

Community Sponsorship

Ormiston Primrose

We are proud to be main sponsors for the Ormiston Primrose FC.

Find Out More

Sustainability

Hubbub Partnership

Starbucks and Hubbub are committed to sustainability, which is the foundation of our partnership. Hubbub has been successful in developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as the "Cup Fund," which has helped reduce the number of disposable coffee cups going to landfills. 

The funds raised from our 5p cup charge in Starbucks stores across the UK have supported several key sustainability initiatives, including:

  • The "Bring It Back Fund": A £1.4 million fund that supports innovation and behaviour change to reduce single-use food and beverage packaging.
  • The "Square Mile waste behaviour change initiative": This initiative was successful in recycling 1.2 million cups in its first three months of operation.
  • The "Eat It Up Fund": A £200,000 fund that supports innovative ideas to tackle food waste.

These initiatives have significantly contributed to Starbucks' sustainability goals and have made a positive impact on the environment.