Scott Bader to celebrate its 100th birthday and 70 years of being employee owned

19/04/2021

Ben Penney

More about the history of Scott Bader, and how they are marking their Centenary year, can be found on their dedicated Centenary page here. It includes a timeline that captures the company’s 100-year journey from war torn London to the global enterprise it has become, serving customers from 15 offices around the world, noting significant landmarks such as the move to the rural manor house in Wollaston and Ernest Bader gifting the company to his employees to form the Scott Bader Commonwealth. Details about Scott Bader’s rich history and reflections from people who have played a role over the years are documented in a Commemorative book, copies of which will be given to employees, and a digital version will soon be added to the website.

The principles and values that Scott Bader's founder Ernest Bader enshrined in the constitution have fantastic resonance with the needs of the 21st century as society transforms itself onto a path that is sustainable in the long-term. To this end, Scott Bader also recognises its own role in the transition of its customers supply chain to be sustainable and this is likely to be the main driving force for the company in the years and decades to come

Dr Kevin Matthews, Scott Bader CEO, on reaching this significant milestone

In 2018 Scott Bader launched their 2036 vision for a sustainable future. During their centenary year, the company has chosen to support several environmental initiatives that will both protect and reduce their impact on the environment. These include donating to the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Buy an Acre Programme for a conservation project in Argentina and committing to the WLT’s Carbon Balanced Programme which places a pledge on the company to reduce its carbon emissions. The intention is that these initiatives will be continued beyond 2021. Centenary time capsules, at each Scott Bader manufacturing site, will be buried by trees planted originally to mark the launch of their 2036 vision. These time capsules contain employee aspirations for the future of Scott Bader by 2036 and will not be opened until then.

It's humbling and with pride to realise 70 years on, how new and special the very idea of Commonwealth and employee ownership were all those years ago. Generations since have benefited from the sound foundation of principles, core values and working culture on which the company is built. We've come a long way and as we look forward those founding principles are as relevant today as they were at the start - and will continue. All of us in Scott Bader are a part of building a bright future

Commonwealth Chairman, Robert Gibson, On the Commonwealths 70th Anniversary

And whilst the coronavirus pandemic has put paid to any parties, on their birthday Scott Bader employees around the world will be invited to attend a virtual celebration with videos, speeches and of course a very impressive birthday cake!

Scott Bader does not have a crystal ball, but for now at least the future does look promising and one thing they do know for certain is that in the impressive grounds of their Wollaston based head office, a sculpture representing their journey so far, by metal work artist John Creed, will soon be on display for all to see for now, for the next 100 years and beyond!

From everyone at Scott Bader, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who have supported us over the past 100 years. With this deep appreciation in our hearts, we enter the next 100 years…