Third, businesses can learn from charities especially how to adopt best practices for specific groups of employees such as those coping with dementia and mental health problems. Fourth, it’s a symbiotic relationship and future business leaders could learn an incredible amount about life, communities, health, education and a wide range of charitable activities that can only improve their knowledge and sensitivity to real-world issues. Finally, I’m massive advocate of high quality, action-centred research. In Suffolk, we have a new and exciting university and great progress has been made in building academic research capabilities. I would encourage charities, businesses and academics to work in close collaboration on innovative projects that could have an enormous, positive impact on future generations across the county. Scrutton Bland have extensive experience in advising charities, trusts and not for profit organisations across East Anglia and the South East. We provide audit and accounting services, insurance and financial advice, and we aim to deliver a joined-up and straightforward service which saves time and resources for your organisation. For more information please contact 01473 267000 or 01206 838400 or email hello@scruttonbland.co.uk
Our fundraising events needed stronger media attention and we were successful in attracting Sir Michael Parkinson as our Patron. This helped to promote our work with local businesses and the community around Barnsley where we had great support from the singer Kate Rusby and a local music festival. The Yorkshire Dales Meat Company ran a promotion in a national supermarket where they pledged to give a small donation to YCR for every pack sold. This was of course not just about money and it raised our profile and the charity’s brand in the region. A major law firm in Leeds gave us pro bono support with data protection without which we would have had difficulty in responding to the demands of the new Fundraising Regulator and all the new rules they put in place after the collapse of Kids Company. Charities always need more professional experience and skills than they can afford to buy so businesses can provide help in a whole range of areas from financial management, bank funding, project management and mentoring to communications, PR and product development. There is so much that can be learnt by both parties when charities and businesses work together.
What tips would you give charities and NFP organisations on how they can build long-term partnerships with businesses? (And vice versa?) This is a tough one as every charity is different and has very different needs. Local charities do not have the marketing budgets or PR reach of national charities and in Suffolk, about 75% of all charitable giving goes outside the county. This is a huge loss and means local charities are starved of the cash they need to fund vital work for local people. These local people are also the employees or customers of local businesses – or at least their friends and family may be. So, where would you start? First, I’m a strong believer in local businesses supporting local charities because that’s where the biggest need is. Second, it’s never just about money! Charities and businesses can both benefit from the joint PR and media attention from being associated with each other. Business can provide financial support but they can also provide pro bono services.
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