Vertu in the Community
As we grow our business we are expanding the scope of our involvement in the Community as part of our wider corporate and social responsibility strategy. The projects we have chosen to support reflect the diversity and depth within our businesses and our desire to be an active part of the communities we serve.
Charity Support and Partnership
BEN
BEN (Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund) is the automotive industry charity, providing care and support to employees and their dependants in times of need.
BEN offer practical, emotional and financial support to anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry, as well as their dependents. BEN are currently providing assistance to more than 15,000 people for a wide range of issues and have actively helped current and former colleagues of the Vertu Group and their dependants.
In the year to 28 February 2011 we donated £19,000 to BEN via our annual support programme.
Vertu is proud to be a partner of BEN and as well as running an annual formal support programme for BEN, we also encourage our colleagues to support BEN via monthly payroll giving and have a number of BEN Gold supporters within the Group.
Children in Need
Our relationship with Children in Need grew considerably in 2010. Children in Need remains a very popular charity with our colleagues and we raised £40,000 via group wide fundraising events on and around Children in Need day. Many of our colleagues and dealerships excelled themselves dressing up in an array of fancy dress outfits and organising themed days within the dealerships with activities for both our colleagues and our customers.
Help for Heroes
Vertu recognise the very important work carried out by Help for Heroes supporting our Armed Forces. In May 2011 we gave every senior Manager in our business a copy of the book ‘Inspiring Leadership’ by Jonathan Perks. All profits from the sale of this book go to Help for Heroes and we are very happy that we have been able to support the work of Help for Heroes in this way.
Dunston Silver Band
We are also proud to sponsor Dunston Silver Band. This brass band is based in the area of Dunston, Gateshead in the North East of England and is open to all age ranges, abilities and backgrounds. The band regularly travel to take part in regional and national band competitions such as the National Mineworker's Open Championship, and The North of England Regional Championships.
