Following the success of our Dunkertons Organic Cider tour event, we are delighted to announce our second in-person event of 2021 which Holiday Inn Express, Cheltenham have offered, very generously, to host and support.

We invite members and non-members to come along and enjoy a relaxed evening and to learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and, in particular, how charities and businesses can work together for mutual benefit.

Reserve your place here

Please note that as places are limited we are asking that only one representative from each business or charity purchases a ticket so that we can offer exposure and connection opportunities to as many of you as possible throughout the evening.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Who is it for?

Whether you are a business wanting to develop your CSR strategy, or a charity wanting to talk to businesses, this is an opportunity to exchange ideas and start a dialogue.  

Why attend?

The Chamber believes profoundly that businesses of all sizes can gain huge rewards by focussing on their CSR.  The Chamber wants to be the ‘glue’ to bring charities and the private sector together, to share stories and put in place mutually beneficial partnerships.  To that end Cordell Ray MBE from Caring for Communities and People (CCP) will be sharing some of his stories as to how businesses have supported their charity; and it’s not just about giving money, as Cordell tells us below:

“Caring for Communities & People (CCP) has a long tradition of engaging businesses in our work, preventing homelessness, family breakdown and in creating a fairer and more equal society for all.  We know that Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) is a powerful contributor towards our mission providing thousands of additional hours every year towards our cause.  Consumers prefer to buy from organisations who give back; volunteering benefits the employer and its employees who are more motivated, engaged and open to learning new skills, and encourages employees to get involved in the local community beyond the day job.  70% of FTSE 100 companies have well established ESV programmes but just 14% of small businesses and 20% of medium sized business.  Clearly there is business community to tap into, which can do so much good and must be a clear motivation for us all to be engaged in employer supported volunteering.”

According to a survey by Better Business Journey, 88% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities to improve society. Increasingly, CSR is a factor considered in tenders for B2B contracts.

And working with local charities can be a great way to reach more people locally, to improve your reputation and engage your own people. It can provide content for your website or social media and help you stand out from your competitors.

A survey of small businesses carried out for Simply Business found that while 60% of small businesses initially gave to charity for altruistic reasons, the vast majority of those who did found it increased profits. And it’s not just about money – giving time, advice and volunteering can be just as valuable.  We promise there will be no sales pitches!  However, there will be plenty of opportunity to network over a drink and a local expert, Stuart Jessop, Regional General Manager at Spirax-Sarco will give a short talk about developing a successful charity partnership. 

Stuart Jessop, says:

“Spirax-Sarco Engineering have a real desire to engage meaningfully with our local communities in all of the countries where we are represented.  Perhaps most important of all is in Cheltenham, where our Global Headquarters has been located for many years, and in the communities in and around this wonderful town, where so many of our team live with their families.  As a member of the Leadership Team for the Cheltenham sites, I’m delighted to be able to represent Spirax-Sarco Engineering at the Chamber and particularly related to our Social Responsibility efforts both now and in the future.  We are looking to invest into our local communities through our One Planet sustainability strategy that seeks, among other things, to promote STEM activity and enable education in our local communities.”

The hotel is providing a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles and we are asking for just £5 per person to cover our administration costs.

Charities will be offered a stand space free-of-charge and are welcome to hang a banner and display leaflets.

Sales Manager of the Holiday Inn Express , Wyatt Davis, says:

“We’ve taken delight in being active members of the Chamber over the years, and we’re thrilled to welcome members back through our doors now that the country is moving again.

Although our hotel is part of a larger brand (IHG), we are still independently owned with a team of just under 20. We take our role within the community very seriously. In our ’12 Days of Christmas’ initiative, we engaged in a different charitable endeavour each day in the run up to Christmas. We host Age UK Gloucestershire’s Social Springboard Group for Cheltenham every Wednesday morning.”

It promises to be another welcome return to live events so why not click here to book your place

Should you have any queries, please contact us on info@cheltenhamchamber.org.uk