HELEN WHITE

OUR monthly events give our members the chance to experience how different businesses approach different aspects of their business.

Last year Together made headlines not only with its record lending, but also its strong commitment to the local community.

With over 500 staff on site, giving everyone the opportunity to become involved in the company’s CSR activity may have proved a massive challenge.

But, by creating an innovative, dedicated and clear CSR strategy - Let’s Make it Count - Together has been able to involve colleagues in initiatives spanning charity, community and the environment.

Together’s HR director Kevin Fisher explains: “The business has historically done a lot of work with charity and the community.

“It’s great to see that strong business performance and hard work can go hand-in-hand with making a positive contribution to our community.”

Last year, Together made a formidable impact with its fundraising, with donations totalling over £125k: the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital received financial support for the refurbishment of its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit; over £15,000 was raised for St Ann’s Hospice; bereavement charity Once Upon a Smile and Destination Florida added to the host of local causes, thanks to its weekly dress-down days that regularly raises £2,000 every month.

But it isn’t always about fundraising.

Together actively engage with the wider community and last year hosted an art competition for schools, colleges and universities with prize funds of £7,000 and artwork showcased in an exhibition at Stockport Art Gallery.

Let’s Make it Count has been embraced across the organisation which, by having a clear plan and choice on initiatives to suit many employees’ interests, has succeeded equally well on the inside where team building and inter-departmental relations have made for a strong and loyal group of colleagues, including an award-winning choir!