The team of the Varna-based Bulgarian branch of KBC Global Services – part of a leading banking and insurance group, marks the growth of the company with a large-scale eco-initiative
– Mr. Petkov, the team of KBC Global Services in Varna is planting 200 trees of the “red oak” species in Byala, Varna region. How did the idea come about?
– With the initiative, we mark the appointment of the 1000th employee at the KBC Global Services office in Varna – an achievement that few companies in the region can boast of. We often joke that we are a Varna company with offices in Sofia.
This is rare but important because business should be decentralized and not just focused in the capital. Our team includes high-tech IT specialists who develop digital products and channels. With the money set aside to celebrate the event, we decided to fund tree planting. We bought a red oak between 1.5 and 2 m high, very suitable for the area and for this slope that leads to the magnificent Ancient Fortress in the city. The company’s aspiration is to make something useful that is sustainable over time. The municipality of Byala undertook to water and care for the trees in order for them to survive, which is of key importance. Last but not least, the planting of trees could support the recovery of the areas affected by the fires this summer in the Varna region. The message of the campaign is “Together for a greener future”. I hope one day we can come and enjoy the cool shade of the already grown trees.
– What is the team of 1000 people like in Varna?
– We are a shared services center serving KBC Group – a leading Belgian banking and insurance group with more than 12 million customers across Europe. Our employees are young people, with an average age of 34, who did not go abroad, but found their development here. They are very enthusiastic and socially engaged, which is important to me and makes me very happy. And today some of them have gathered and are planting trees.
– Where else are you going to plant trees?
– We will plant next week in a forest massif near Varna. It’s important to be the right kind at the right time. There we will have the opportunity to plant at least 1000 saplings of the “cer” type, which will be delivered to us by the forestry department. The feeling of planting a tree is wonderful, they are the lungs of our planet and there should be more such initiatives. I hope that in the future the state and municipalities will help and accept this kind of selfless activities.
– Why did you choose Byala?
– Firstly, because it is in the Varna region, where the company’s center is. Because the administration responded and managed to move the planting forward. We talked to many municipalities and villages that were willing, but things did not happen because of administrative obstacles. I am optimistic, the accumulated experience will be useful for us in future endeavors.
- What other initiatives do you envisage?
- We provide each employee with the opportunity to use one additional day of paid leave per year dedicated to volunteering with activities in the social sphere. We help many initiatives in Varna with the aim of improving the general environment. Initiatives benefit small children, people in need, we clean the beach, paint kindergartens and many others.
– How is the company developing?
– We are part of one of the largest financial institutions in Europe – KBC Group, together with other commercial companies in Bulgaria – UBB and DZI. We are growing and focusing not only on performing services, but also on forming a competence center that is valid for the whole group and serves business customers all over Europe, not only in Belgium. All this happens from Varna, we are the engine behind KBC Group – this is our motto.
How does the partnership with the municipality of Byala contribute to the success of the tree-planting initiative?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mr. Petkov, Expert from KBC Global Services
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Mr. Petkov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting eco-initiative by KBC Global Services in Varna. Your team recently embarked on a mission to plant 200 red oak trees in Byala. Can you share with us how this idea first came about?
Mr. Petkov: Good afternoon! The idea really arose as a way to celebrate a significant milestone for our team—the appointment of our 1000th employee. In the spirit of marking this achievement, we wanted to give back to the community. As we like to say, we are a Varna company with offices in Sofia, and we believe in the importance of promoting decentralization in business. Using part of our budget for a tree-planting initiative felt like a perfect way to make a lasting, positive impact.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve chosen the red oak specifically for this initiative. Could you explain why this species was selected and how you believe it will benefit the area?
Mr. Petkov: Absolutely! The red oak is well-suited for our region and thrives in the local conditions. It not only beautifies the landscape but also plays an essential role in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Furthermore, we hope that these trees can help recover areas that were affected by recent wildfires in the Varna region. It was important to us that this initiative has a sustainable and long-term impact.
Time.news Editor: That’s an admirable approach. You mentioned that the municipality of Byala is involved in caring for the trees. How significant is this partnership for the success of the project?
Mr. Petkov: It’s crucial! The municipality’s commitment to watering and maintaining the trees ensures that they survive and thrive. Without proper care, even the most well-planned tree-planting program can struggle to succeed. Their involvement underscores a shared responsibility for fostering a greener environment and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between businesses and local governments.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of collaboration, can you describe the culture and demographics of your team in Varna?
Mr. Petkov: Certainly! Our team is made up of enthusiastic young professionals, with an average age of 34. Many of them have decided to build their careers here instead of going abroad, which is particularly gratifying. Their social engagement and dedication to initiatives like the tree planting reflect our company’s values. It’s rewarding to witness their excitement as they come together to make a difference.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a vibrant team! You also mentioned plans to plant additional trees next week in a local forest. Can you tell us more about that opportunity?
Mr. Petkov: Yes! We’re looking forward to planting at least 1000 cer oak saplings in a nearby forest. Timing and species selection are critical for this project, and we’re excited to continue our efforts. The act of planting a tree is incredibly fulfilling; trees are vital to our planet’s health. We hope to inspire others, including governmental bodies, to support such initiatives in the future.
Time.news Editor: Mr. Petkov, why did you choose Byala as the location for this eco-initiative?
Mr. Petkov: Byala is not only a beautiful region but also one that has been affected by environmental challenges. We wanted to contribute positively to an area that deserves attention and care. By choosing Byala, we aim to remind everyone that we can help our local environment while supporting the community that has welcomed us. Our message is clear: “Together for a greener future.”
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Mr. Petkov. Your commitment to sustainability and community engagement is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the growth and impact of these initiatives in Varna and beyond!
Mr. Petkov: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work, and I hope everyone will join us in creating a greener planet.