Companies buddy up to make a difference

But some companies across the district are doing just that through a scheme in partnership with Wakefield Hospice.

Through the hospice’s Business Buddies initiative, a growing network of companies are supporting the charity by making donations, holding fundraising events and offering their services for free.

The partnership not only helps raise vital cash for the nursing of terminally-ill cancer patients, but also boosts the profile of the firms involved.

Earlier this month Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors hosted a Business Buddies networking lunch.

It was attended by representatives of the Wakefield Enterprise Partnership Professionals Group (WEPPG), a subgroup of Wakefield Enterprise Partnership, which aims to promote relationships between councils, businesses and the voluntary sector.

Tim Welton, from Chadwick Lawrence, based on Paragon Business Village in Wakefield, is chair of WEPPG and presented a donation of £1,000 to the hospice.

The group raised the money at a beer and burger evening during Business Week.

Mr Welton said: “Part of WEPPG’s purpose is to support local charities, so we are delighted to make this donation to Wakefield Hospice in order to support their vital work.

“It is important for local businesses to give back to the community and look at community issues and charities and see what’s needed to give back. We all have our corporate and social responsibilities.

“It is still important for businesses to get involved in the local community as it is where we are based and where our staff are from. We do need to give back. The vast majority of businesses do and do what they can even during difficult financial times.

“There are more reasons why it is good to get involved with helping charities as it also raises your profile and brand and allows you to network with other businesses which you hope have the same values.”

Business Buddies is open to all businesses of different sizes and from different sectors.

The firms involved support the hospice financially by making either a single annual donation or by setting up a monthly standing order.

In return, every member of the scheme receives a framed certificate, benefits from local PR opportunities, has their company details and logo put on the hospice website and is invited to regular free networking events.

Daphne Leach, who coordinates the network said: “Wakefield Hospice has excellent support from the local business community and we are delighted that WEPPG have chosen to support us and join us for this special event.”

For more information email [email protected] or call 01924 213900.