Newton Aycliffe businesses are leading the way when it comes to fighting poverty.
BTS Facades and Fabrications, based on Aycliffe Business Park, is the latest to back the Poverty Hurts Appeal, launched by County Durham Community Foundation in November
Phil Atkinson, managing director, said: “We have always had a give-back, community ethos and the rising cost of living is something we take very seriously.
“We have a team of 49 staff and have made cost of living payments to each staff member.
Supporting the appeal is our way of looking out for the local community and doing our bit. I hope it encourages other businesses to give too.”
The £500 donation will be matched by County Durham Community Foundation with 50p on the £1, taking its value to £750, and will fund local projects helping individuals and families affected by soaring energy bills and sky-high food prices.
BTS Fabrications has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, hitting a £10m turnover, reaching carbon neutral status and working hard to create an inclusive and motivated workforce.
After winning two awards in the last year: FSB’s Small Business of the Year and an Aycliffe Make Your Mark award for Engineering and Manufacturing, the business is now working towards B Corp certification – a recognised standard of excellence in performance, accountability and transparency.
The team is the latest in a long line of generous Aycliffe businesses to step forward and help communities facing hardship, following hot on the heels of Eldon Financial Planning, which raised £2,600 for the appeal through a 20mile Lake District hike in brutal weather to mark 20 years in business.
Ebac, Gestamp and Roman all have their own named funds with County Durham Community Foundation and have made an impressive total of £179,000 in grants to fight poverty and enrich lives over the years.
CEO Michelle Cooper MBE said: “The businesses of Aycliffe Business Park are incredibly generous and make a massive difference to their local communities by supporting the Poverty Hurts Appeal, and by creating funds with the Foundation to structure their giving and add impact.
“It shows that more and more businesses are working with the Foundation to give in a way that’s right for them.”
To donate to the Poverty Hurts Appeal please visit https://cdcf.enthuse.com/cp/502d3/fundraiser#!/