CHARITY ’ S HELPING HAND FROM AYCLIFFE FIRMS
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 strengthto-strength in recent years , hitting a £ 10m
BTS managing director Phil Atkinson and finance director Marcia Atkinson with Michelle Cooper MBE , CEO of the County Durham Community Foundation .
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 cdcf . enthuse . com / cf / povertymatters .
26 | Aycliffe Business