Duo lead tech firm’s tribute to late mum
COLLEAGUES of proud brother and sister Chris and Grace Wright are helping them pay tribute to their late mum.
Julie Wright was the first employee at technology services provider Chess ICT where she was Operations Director.
Julie, from Tytherington, was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice when she died of cancer in 2013, aged 51.
Ever since Chess ICT has been a regular supporter of the charity, signing up for its latest Corporate Challenge campaign.
Sales leader Chris and Grace, from HR, are among 350 staff nationwide undertaking fundraising initiatives in May.
All are receiving Smarties with a request to fill tubes with coins once they have eaten the chocolate.
Chess ICT Head of Culture Tim Wilkinson-Hall said: “No-one uses cash anymore, so we want colleagues to donate loose change, with prizes including the quickest response and the most amount.
“The company is also donating £1 every time someone is nominated for doing a good deed for a colleague.
“Many of our employees are from Macclesfield and we’ve always supported the Hospice as corporate partners.
“We support them whenever we can because of how they supported
Julie and her family.
“Julie was very well known in our business and is remembered with affection.”
Chess ICT has refurbished its Alderley Edge headquarters where 150 staff were based before lockdowns.
More than half may continue home working, even as restrictions ease.
Tim said: “Many employees prefer to work from home for more time with family.
“Our company is doing really well and recruiting again.
“We’ve recently donated old laptops to schoolchildren and charities.”
Chief Executive and founder David Pollock said: “It’s vital modern business plays a part in the wider community and it’s great for employee engagement.
“We’ve had staff jump out of planes, run 10ks, bake cakes and dress up in silly clothes.
“Activities bond them together and binds them with the community.
“It’s also good for business.
“The Hospices does phenomenal work in our community looking after people at the end-of-life and we’re delighted to support such a muchloved charity.”
Other participants in the Corporate Challenge are Kuehne+Nagel, Equilibrium Financial Planning, McCann, Pan European Networks, Leap 29 and Spirit Medical Communications.
The aim is to raise as much as possible from a £100 start up loan during May.