Kirsty Fortnam, technical manager at Glass Express Midlands, shares her take on why she believes social responsibility should be the cornerstone of every business.

When people ask what I do at Glass Express Midlands, they’re usually expecting me to talk about glass specifications, machinery, or logistics.

And yes, those things are part of my day-to-day. But something just as important to me is what I do outside of the factory floor: working with young people and giving back to our community.

Social responsibility isn’t just a buzzword at Glass Express Midlands. It’s something we live and breathe. I’m incredibly fortunate to work for a company that supports me in dedicating time to causes that matter. Whether it’s building career frameworks with local schools, mentoring students, or serving as a school governor, I see this work as an investment – not just in our industry, but in the people who will one day shape it.
It all started with a visit to Q3 Academy in Langley. Glass Express give me one or two days a month to work with teachers to help prepare students for life after school. The idea is simple: bridge the gap between education and employment.

I also take part in careers fairs, and I am constantly amazed at the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students.

But it really strikes home that so many young people just don’t know what’s out there. They ask great questions: What’s it like to work in a factory? Do I need qualifications? What kinds of roles are available?

And when I start talking about the glazing industry – how we make different types of glass, the impressive contracts we’re involved in in their local area – their eyes light up. You can see the moment when something clicks.

That’s why this work is so important. If we don’t show young people the opportunities in industries like ours, how can we expect them to consider it as a career?

Careers education in schools is improving, thanks in part to the Gatsby Benchmarks, which promote real-world exposure through employer interactions and workplace visits. But for those benchmarks to work, businesses like ours need to step up.

My role as a governor at Hanbury Primary School in West Bromwich is another part of this commitment. I wanted to take our outreach further and give back to younger children in our community.

The school’s headteacher has a ‘grow your own’ philosophy, developing teaching assistants and support staff from within, which aligns perfectly with how we nurture talent at Glass Express. We believe in building people up and helping them reach their potential.

The governing experience has been eye-opening. I’ve undergone a comprehensive induction and training programme and often attend meetings at short notice. I’m proud that external reviewers see the value in having governors like me, from local businesses, contributing to school life. It’s a small way to make a big difference.

This social value work isn’t just good for the community, it benefits our customers, too. Our commercial clients increasingly want to know they’re partnering with companies who share their values and understand their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) commitments.

Working with Glass Express Midlands means aligning with a supplier that’s proactive, community-minded, and future-focused. That reputation for responsibility helps us attract top-tier clients, build trust, and stand out in a competitive market.

Everything I do – from school visits to community outreach – comes back to one simple belief: young people are the future of our industry. We need to inspire them, support them, and show them that there’s a place for them here. Glass Express Midlands is committed to that vision, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Because when we help shape the future, everybody benefits. And if even one young person walks away from a school session thinking, “I could do that,” then I know it’s all been worth it.