Business is better when you help others

My why

For me, being in business is all about making a difference wherever I can. As part of the business, I have been, and currently am, involved in a number of local community initiatives with causes and groups that are close to my heart, including:  

  • Challengers – regular fundraiser for this amazing charity based in Guildford having done numerous triathlons, long distance swims and other crazy activities.  

  • Young Enterprise – mentor in schools and colleges, and presenter on STEM topics such as Maths In Industry to gain more young people into STEM careers.   

  • RAF Air Cadets – Civilian Instructor specialising in STEM.  

  • VierDaagse – volunteer at the local four-day walking event in Heerlen, Netherlands. 

  • Triathlon marshal – volunteer marshal at local triathlons in the UK and Netherlands. 

  • Swim coach – provision of free swim coaching with local open water swimming group to help improve swimming skills for members. 

Doing business better

As well as trying to make a difference myself, I am passionate about helping clients do the same. Having an meaningful and effective CSR programme is NOT just for show (or to put on a pitch document) it provides numerous benefits:

  • Team building - having a common goal, and being involved in activities that make a difference to charities, or in their local communities, is a great way to bring people together.

  • Actively supporting charities and community organisations in a way in which is effective for both the charity and yourself. Structuring your support gives certainty of income for the charity and some key objectives for yourself - to ensure the support gives value to all involved, makes financial sense and is sustainable.

  • Treating your business as a conduit with which to do good - good for your team, for your clients, your communities and the planet!

  • A sense of purpose outside of the general pathway of your business - this can bring satisfaction, FUN and a sense of belonging to everyone inside the business.

“In my view the successful companies of the future will be those that integrate business and employees' personal values. The best people want to do work that contributes to society with a company whose values they share, where their actions count and their views matter.”

— Jeroen van de Veer