The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 41: Feb/March 2019 | Page 35

POSITIVE BUSINESS POSITIVE BUSINESS The Business Exchange to host South West Charity Conference Working in partnership with local firms we are hosting what we believe to be the South West’s first Charity Conference. The inaugural event is taking place at Bath’s Apex Hotel on Thursday February 7, 2019. The conference is a Business Exchange initiative designed to support local charities and third sector organisations, helping them look at new ways to grow and diversify. The key theme of the conference will be the future of the third sector. creative ways of giving back. This Positive Business page is the space we do just that! “I’m proud to have partnered with some of the region’s largest and most impactful firms to bring together this first for Bath and the South West. Charity and third sector specialists Stone King LLP, Milsted Langdon LLP, Novia Financial – one of Bath’s biggest givers and Fidelius Group are working together to deliver this one-off event.” “ Since launching The Business Exchange, I have always supported local charities giving them free space in my publications, in print and online, to talk about their causes and appeals” Key subjects for the day include alternative funding streams, investment strategies, adapting donation platforms to a cashless society and brand creation to drive engagement and loyalty. Anita Jaynes owner of the Business Exchange and event organiser said: “Having worked in the charity sector, corporate social responsibility has always been close to my heart. Since launching The Business Exchange, I have always supported local charities giving them free space in my publications, in print and online, to talk about their causes and appeals. I also encourage other businesses to send in their stories promoting their fundraising activities and To find out more and to book visit: http:// ow.ly/msOX30niPxH or email: [email protected] INNER FLAME’S JAMES THRELFALL AWARDED MBE 25-year-old professional skateboarder and presenter, James Threlfall, from Devizes has been awarded an MBE for services to Young People in the New Year’s Honours list 2019. The MBE is in recognition for his work in setting up the Wiltshire Skate Series – a local skateboarding competition. To date James has organised 27 Wiltshire Skate Series events with each attracting around 50 youths. He is also the ambassador for the mental health charity, CALM and works for Inner Flame, which delivers Prince’s Trust courses for disadvantaged young people in Swindon aged 16-25. James was just 15 when he ran his first event. He said: “When it started I kind of had no idea what I was doing, but it’s grown really well over the years. We now have people that regularly compete from our catchment area that spans from London to Cornwall, so whilst the name implies just Wiltshire, our reach has grown to be much wider over the years.” It’s down to James that Melksham has a new skatepark too. He was integral to securing the £200,000 needed to redevelop the existing park. When asked how it felt to be awarded an MBE James said: “It honestly feels like the biggest shock. I never expected to receive something like this! Also, I’ve never really reflected on the things that I’ve done to achieve this award, so it’s been a really nice opportunity to sit down with my parents and look back over the last ten years. It turns out my mum keeps a lot of newspaper cuttings.” 2019 is going to be a busy year for James, juggling a mixture of TV presenting, event hosting and holding down a fortnightly slot on Soho Radio. Alongside these commitments, James is currently organising Inner Flame’s 2019 Young Champions evening - a night recognising the achievements of young people who have participated in Inner Flame’s courses and achieved great things. James added: “We’re currently looking for auction lots, raffle prizes and sponsors for the Young Champions evening. It would be great to hear from any local businesses who think they can help. Why not come along and celebrate with us too? Olympian Greg Rutherford who shot to fame at the 2012 Olympic Games will be taking to the stage on the night to tell his story. There will also be live music, a three course meal and a charity raffle and auction. Tickets are priced at £50 if you commit to a table of ten.” To find out more about the Young Champions evening visit: www.innerflame.org.uk email info@ innerflame.org.uk or call 01793 862555 LEARN TO SKYDIVE TANDEM, ACCELERATED FREE FALL & FIRST JUMP COURSES SKYDIVE NETHERAVON is the home of the Army Parachute Association and the Red Devils with some of the best Military Instructors in the country. Forces Discount on Tandem; First Jump and Accelerated Free Fall Courses on request ONE DAY, ONE JUMP, ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE T: 01980 670734 W: www.netheravon.com E: [email protected] Airfield Camp, Netheravon, Wiltshire, SP4 9SF THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 35