Partner Article

Third sector support service calls on Cheshire businesses to help it meet 2015 goals

An organisation that helps third sector groups access free support from Cheshire businesses is aiming to make 200 connections in 2015.

Cheshire Connect is now calling on third sector groups to get in touch to find out how they can benefit from the match-making service.

Founded in 2011 by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, KSt, Cheshire Connect helps good causes access free professional services and expertise such as business planning, marketing and accounting.

Cheshire Connect’s matching service links charities that need support with local businesses that want to give something back. These businesses provide free support on a regular or ad hoc basis, including helping with business planning and accounts, marketing, HR and IT. The past year has also seen an increased demand for provision of trustees and mentors to the voluntary sector, and this trend is forecast to continue.

Over the last 12 months, Cheshire Connect made more than 100 connections across the county over the year. Charities and voluntary groups included Macclesfield-based Edge Inclusion Consultancy and Home-Start Warrington.

Donna Okell, chief executive of Cheshire Connect, said: “Last year we made a tangible difference to a number of third sector organisations from across Cheshire, and have ambitious targets to help even more in 2015. The charities we’ve worked with have all saved funds they would have spent on business expertise.

“We have a team of eight business connectors, all of whom are passionate about making a difference in their local area. Our aim is for those business connectors between them to make several skills and expertise matches each month between generous local businesses and charities which need support.

Many businesses who have generously offered their skills tell us what a difference it has made to their people who volunteer. It is a great way to develop employee skills whilst making a tangible difference in the local community.

“We’ve got lots of businesses signed up, ready and waiting, and have capacity for new charities to come on board to benefit from the free services on offer.”

Support ranges from a one-off consultation to long-term engagement and mentoring, and is arranged in a way to fit the busy schedules of all partners involved.

If you or your business would like to use some of your time to help local charities whilst developing your own skills, please contact Cheshire Connect on: 01244 688436 or email donnaokell@cheshireconnect.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .