unnamed mediumIn just 12 months, kind-hearted employees at Briggs Equipment have helped to raise close to £150,000 for a number of worthy causes. The asset management and engineering services specialist has a dedicated employee-led fundraising programme, as Janet Noble, Chair of the Briggs Charity Team, explains: “As a company, one of the things of which we’re most proud is our commitment to corporate social responsibility,” she says.

“Our people are willing to devote a huge amount of time and energy to helping charities and local community projects that are close to their hearts, so we’re thrilled to be able to support the work of numerous worthy causes, both large and small, that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Each year, Briggs works closely with a charity partner chosen by its workforce. Since January employees have been staging fun activities, including raffles, cake sales, marathons, bike rides and car washes, in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. The only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust operates specialist units within NHS hospitals, staffed by experts, to provide the best possible care and information for patients and their families.

“Our goal was to raise at least £25,000 to support Teenage Cancer Trust’s invaluable work,” adds Janet, “but we expect to smash this target and present the charity with a sizeable donation early next year.”

A monthly ‘Jeans Day’, which sees Briggs employees come to work in their jeans in return for a small charity donation, made a significant contribution towards the overall total of £145,000. In 2016, beneficiaries included Alzheimer’s Society, Parkinson’s UK and St. Giles Hospice. Some of the charities are household names, while others have a lower profile, but all were nominated by and have a special meaning for Briggs employees.
 
Staff who are participating in a charity event in their own time are encouraged to notify the company, as they stand to receive a corporate donation of up to £250 per activity. This year, Briggs employees have organised gala dinners, taken part in skydiving events and entered national mud and colour runs, to name but a few activities, raising much-needed funds for the likes of Barnardo’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Help for Heroes and Whizz Kids. 
As a proud patron of The Prince’s Trust, Briggs has once again donated £25,000 as part of its four-year fundraising commitment to the Trust. This money will help to provide disadvantaged young people with the practical and financial support they need to move into work, education or training.

Janet Noble is keen to highlight the vital role played by Briggs Equipment‘s parent company, Sammons Enterprises Inc., which is wholeheartedly committed to active community involvement.

She says: “Sammons is extremely supportive, providing match funding that gives a significant and very welcome boost to our fundraising efforts. It means that all those worthwhile causes across the UK that the Briggs team is passionate about, and that benefit our own communities and others, can continue with their invaluable work.”