Ahead of the day , we met with Les Redwood , Head of Charities Business Development at RBC Brewin Dolphin to get to know more about the firm and its charitable work in the region .

Tell us more about RBC Brewin Dolphin RBC Brewin Dolphin is an investment manager employing over 2,500 people across 34 UK offices . Most of our work is supporting individuals with their finances and investments , however we also work with other large financial services firms , IFAs and we also have a charities and Third Sector business . This is the section of the business that I work for .

We work with over 1700 charities and Third Sector organisations all across the UK and manage around £ 4 billion worth of charity assets .

Brewin Dolphin is actually a 250-year-old business and was one of the original stock market firms in London

What is your role within the company ? I am Head of Charities Business

Development . My role is to market , communicate and grow our Charities Investments Management business across our ten dedicated offices throughout the UK .

Most of my work is in London , however I also work in our Bristol and Bath offices as well . Bath is my home and I am wellconnected in the city . I was a Founding Director of the 650-strong Business Improvement District . I was also a trustee of B & NES 3SG during Covid and helped to set up The Compassionate Community Hub , helping over 15,000 families across B & NES with food , shopping and medicines throughout the pandemic . This was in addition to my role as CEO of Citizens Advice B & NES at the time .

What was the impetus to get involved with the Charity Conference and Expo ? I was involved with the very first expo , working with Anita and team and saw the value in directly supporting and helping to develop the Third Sector in the South West region .

RBC Brewin Dolphin is looking to support

charities and the Third Sector in the West Country , so this seemed a perfect vehicle to get this message out to those who will benefit most from our support . Plus , I had already worked with our brilliant partners Milsted Langdon and Stone King , so the choice was very easy .

What role can businesses play in helping the region ’ s third sector organisations ? Obviously direct financial support from the business sector is most desirable for all charities and third sector organisations . These kind of basic partnerships are absolutely vital for many charities ’ resilience and longevity , especially in these tough economic times .

However , resource , expertise , partnership activities and support can be just as valuable . It ’ s not just about cash ! This could also be a win-win for companies from a community support and Corporate Social Responsibility viewpoint as well . I would urge all companies to look at what they do and the assets they have as a business , and consider whether these could

help a charity longer term in partnership . Lots of opportunities will be showcased at the Charity Conference & Expo .

What are you hoping to see from this year ’ s Conference & Expo ? The opportunity to meet and build relationships and partnerships with some of the finest charity and Third Sector organisations in the region .

RBC Brewin Dolphin are hosting a seminar session on inflation risk and cash reserves at The Business Exchange South West Charity Conference & Expo on Thursday 15th June at Bath Racecourse .

You can book your FREE tickets via Eventbrite . Search for ‘ The Business Exchange South West ’ at : www . eventbrite . co . uk or email : press @ tbesw . co . uk for more details .