telford-business-board

Enhancing Business Sustainability in the Manufacturing Sector

telford-businessboard@outlook.com (Jacs Kitson) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:26:50 GMT

In an exciting and forward-thinking endeavour, Telford’s business community, educational institutions, and industry leaders are uniting to fortify the sustainability and competitiveness of our local manufacturing sector.

In an exciting and forward-thinking endeavour, Telford’s business community, educational institutions, and industry leaders are uniting to fortify the sustainability and competitiveness of our local manufacturing sector. This collaborative effort aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that Telford remains a hub of innovation, resilience and industry excellence.

Who’s Leading This Agenda?

At Telford Business Board, we’re proud to be playing a pivotal role – amplifying the voice of business, and advocating for sustainability skill development within the region. Other key players who we’re working alongside include:

DENSO Manufacturing UK , and Muller | These esteemed Telford-based manufacturers recognise the critical role that skilled talent has in propelling operations forwards
Telford College | As an educational hub, Telford College is committed to equipping learners with the skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving manufacturing sphere
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) | Renowned for research and innovation, WMG brings cutting-edge expertise in digital technologies, engineering, and sustainability. Their collaboration with Telford College ensures a seamless knowledge transfer from academia to industry.

Collectively, our goal is to empower employees with the competencies necessary for efficient, innovative, and forward-thinking manufacturing.

What Is This Initiative Set To Achieve?

Targeting Real-World Skills Gaps

Through focused discussions and on-site visits, DENSO Manufacturing UK, Muller, and Telford’s educational partners have pinpointed specific skills gaps prevalent in local manufacturing companies – which span from digital literacy through to sustainable practices.

Innovation Aligned with Industry Needs

The heart of this collaboration lies with aligning innovation with practical application. DENSO Manufacturing UK, Muller, and other manufacturers in the region have committed to integrating digital and sustainability skills directly into their workforce. As a result, they hope to enhance employee performance, operational efficiency, and overall sustainability.

Tailored Training Modules

Our Sustainability Sub-Group also actively contributes insights and guidance, ensuring that training remains relevant and impactful. So, in partnership with Telford College and WMG, we’re diligently developing targeted training modules. Carefully curated to address the identified skills gaps, these will equip students and adult learners with the tools they need to thrive in the manufacturing sector – today and in the future.

A Competitive Edge for Telford

As a result of this collaboration, Telford’s manufacturing sector gains a competitive edge. Businesses become more resilient, adaptive, and better equipped to navigate future challenges. Plus, this initiative directly supports Telford’s Climate Action Plan , contributing to a sustainable and thriving community.

Leading this project is Janet Stephens , Deputy CEO at Telford College . She said: “It’s fantastic to be driving forward this valuable initiative, and it’s brilliant that the College is able to act as such a strong partner for these globally-renowned institutions. We’re immensely proud to be connecting strategic local partners, bringing this wealth of knowledge together to enhance both businesses and professionals in the manufacturing sector - today and for the future.

“Undoubtedly, this partnership will have a long-lasting and positive impact on both our economy and the wider community, and I’m really excited to continue on this trajectory over the coming months.”

Andy Whyle , our Vice Chair, and Sustainability Specialist at S-AW, added:

“My interactions often involve academic and business leaders (albeit typically on separate occasions), but remarkable and inspiring outcomes emerge from these meetings. However, the true magic occurs when these leaders convene in the same room – this is when we delve into the intricacies of shaping innovation and skills, translating them into practical applications within the real world.

“Our collective goal is to enhance business sustainability within the manufacturing sector. And this partnership promises a direct alignment in fostering digital, engineering, and sustainability skills. Both student and adult learners will benefit from continuous professional growth, ensuring that Telford’s manufacturing sector remains resilient, innovative, and fit for a sustainable future.”

Say Hello to Hello Telford

telford-businessboard@outlook.com (Jacs Kitson) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:24:16 GMT

Home to around 6,000 businesses, which consists of approximately 5,500 small and micro companies, Telford and Wrekin is bursting with opportunity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

As the central support hub, Telford and Wrekin Council is on-hand and available to provide support. Their dedicated Invest Telford Business Support Service assists with making corporate connections and signposting businesses towards assistance, advice, and grants.

As part of this the team wanted to allow businesses to be proactive in making these connections themselves, to create a platform in which organic relationships could form, and to promote the brilliant businesses in the borough on both a regional and national scale.

Claire Critchell, Investment and Business Support Team Leader at Telford and Wrekin Council, explores the motivations behind establishing Hello Telford, what it is, and how it’s changing the way that Telford is doing business.

“We’re often inundated with requests - businesses asking for support, seeking recommendations, or looking for local connections. It’s hugely exciting to see the business sector booming in our borough, and so we wanted to service and support these individuals in the very best way possible.

“With information and recommendations often available on platforms like LinkedIn (but not always obvious to locate), we had an idea. We wanted to combine the connectivity of these mediums, the unity of Telford businesses, with an easy-to-use platform that was accessible in an instant – say hello to Hello Telford.

“Launched in October 2022, Hello Telford is a bespoke business-to-business, user-friendly, web-based app that allows businesses to connect, to collaborate, and to communicate. Aiming to provide local businesses with an accessible and all-encompassing platform for all recommendation requests, support seeking, communications, and partnerships.

“Very often we found that businesses in Telford weren’t aware of some of the fantastic assets available right here on their doorstep. Exclusive to the business-to-business community in Telford, the platform is carefully designed to enhance collaborative working, raise awareness of the local talent available, and assist with supply chains - striving to keep the Telford pound in Telford.

“Only members have access to this innovative dashboard, which allows them to make connections themselves, share recommendations, publish requests, and upload news stories. A comprehensive directory detailing the business and relevant contact details is accessible to all, therefore enhancing national visibility.

“And the best part? It’s absolutely free.”

How can you join Hello Telford?

All Telford businesses are invited to join by visiting the website , and selecting ‘Join Today’. All accounts must be verified – which typically takes only a few days. After this you can log-in and begin reaping the rewards.

You’ll immediately gain national visibility on the database, whilst having access to a wealth of local business connections and expertise at your fingertips.

What does TBB say about Hello Telford?

Will Westley, Chair of Telford Business Board, explains: “Hello Telford is a fantastic addition to our business community, providing valuable connectivity and collaboration, supporting how we work, how we deal with issues, and how we find solutions that benefit us all. TBB fully endorses and supports the platform, and we’re incredibly excited for more businesses across the region to get involved!”

Will Westley

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 12:01:44 GMT

An expert in strategic focus, communication and change management

Will Westley is the current Chair of the Telford Business Board.

With a genuine passion for business and the local community, Will also sits on a number of major advisory Boards throughout Telford, and is a Director of Marches Local Enterprise Partnership representing the private sector business interests of Telford & Wrekin.

He currently holds a portfolio of non-Executive roles and Directorships in the local area and has forged a reputation for delivering fast-track results with empathy and inclusion, ensuring positivity is backed by factually based straight talking.

An expert in strategic focus, communication and change management, Will has over 30 years’ board-level leadership experience across the business support services, telecoms, technology and manufacturing environments.

Day-to-day, Will is the Managing Director for Priority Managed Services Ltd – working across both its Shrewsbury and Birmingham offices. As well as this, he’s an Executive Mentor, specialising in Board Strategy for business performance improvement, enabling clients to reap the rewards of service excellence, accelerated growth and a rapid advancement in profits.

This combination of roles gives Will a unique insight into the challenges of our diverse community and the businesses across our region. As Chair he regularly shares this insight and encourages the active involvement of the Board members to bring forward intelligence from their own sectors.

Will said, “It has certainly been a challenging few years for businesses. More than ever before, I want business owners to reach out when they need assured confidential support. No one should ever operate in isolation - never try to bear it all on your shoulders, it can have a significant impact on you, your business and your family.

“As a Community Interest Company, TBB continues to influence the powers that be in the best interest of Telford businesses and the community. We will not shy away from calling out decision makers either locally or nationally if it benefits those within our communities.

“Telford & Wrekin is a fantastic place to do business and build a life, and TBB are here to voice your desires and opinions”.

If you’d like to know more about the Telford Business Board, please get in touch: business@telfordbusinessboard.org.uk

Andy Whyle

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:59:05 GMT

"My aim for TBB is to continue to provide business intelligence to shape a sustainable future for Telford"

Andy Whyle is the current Vice Chair of the Telford Business Board, and is about to celebrate a major milestone – being involved with the Board for a decade this September.

Day-to-day, Andy is a Sustainability Specialist at S-AW, supporting organisations to develop sustainable products and solutions, improving their environmental and business performance, whilst mitigating climate risks.

With over 30 years’ experience in sustainable manufacturing, Andy has been recognised as an IEMA Fellow and SWM Green Leader, and is a proven leading practitioner on a local, national and international basis. He’s also a co-author, visiting lecturer, an expert on the circular economy, and a multi-award winner in his sector.

He brings this expertise to the Board, sharing how businesses in Telford can change the way they live and work to create a sustainable world. He was previously the Chair of Telford’s Business Environmental Network (BESST), and is now the Sustainability Champion and Leader of the Sustainability sub-group within TBB, and also represents them within the Telford Climate Action Partnership, and the Shared Prosperity Fund working group.

Andy said, “I want businesses to understand that sustainability is not a competitive issue. Collaboration demonstrates that environmental impact reduction and business benefits are synonymous”.

“My aim for TBB is to continue to provide business intelligence to shape a sustainable future for Telford”.

“The path to sustainability is one we should take together”.

If you’d like to know more about the Telford Business Board, please get in touch: business@telfordbusinessboard.org.uk .

Felicity Wingrove

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:18:16 GMT

"For a relatively small town, we punch massively above our weight...We collaborate and support each other in a way that I haven’t seen elsewhere before"

Felicity Wingrove (Fliss) has been involved with TBB for six years, and is one of the Founding Directors of the CIC. Plus, thanks to her extensive experience in PR and reputation management, she oversees the Board’s communications and messaging.

Part of Fliss’ role sees her jointly responsible for ensuring that TBB delivers on all they set out to do, whilst maintaining a predominant focus on five core activities to benefit the business community: Advocacy, Action, Education, Sustainability, and Research.

In her day-to-day role, Fliss is the Strategic Advisor and Founder of Zen Communications – a PR, content and copywriting agency; and also leads The Ultimate Advantage – a dedicated language mastery coaching and training consultancy.

With both businesses having been founded and based in Telford, Fliss is a passionate advocate of the town – from both a business and personal perspective.

“For a relatively small town, we punch massively above our weight, with some really exciting businesses. We also collaborate and support each other in a way that I haven’t seen elsewhere before. And, there is an incredibly strong and refreshing relationship between businesses, the public sector, and our MP (amongst others).

“TBB isn’t tied – it’s genuinely neutral. And this means that we can be the strongest voice for our business community. I want the future of TBB to see us clearing the path for business success, pulling in opportunities and funding, supporting our education providers to deliver training that aligns with business needs, and – of course – raising the profile of Telford businesses across the national stage”.

If you’d like to know more about the Telford Business Board, please get in touch: business@telfordbusinessboard.org.uk

Graham Guest

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:15:47 GMT

"I aim to support the growth of new businesses within Telford, and reinforce the opportunities and prosperities available within our town."

Graham Guest has been involved with Telford Business Board for just over five years, and is an ambassador for the Board at wider stakeholder meetings. He provides updates of Government policy, as well as on-the-ground insights into employer feedback and how skills are matched with their needs.

Day-to-day, Graham is the Principal and CEO of Telford College, and was eager to get involved with TBB to ensure that the College can support local businesses, and to create a positive, mutually-beneficial partnership. Plus, he’s often scouting employers and their opinions to shape the curriculum with a focus on the future of employability.

As a pillar within the community, moulding the future generations of Telford, Graham is an integral figure on the Board. He shares insights into how businesses can entice and accommodate new learners and apprentices, encouraging skilled and integral workers into our local businesses and strengthening the community as a whole.

“Ultimately, I am hoping to make a difference to people’s lives within our town. Alongside this, I hope that TBB can support the economy to ensure that local people have the greatest opportunities.

“For me, I’d love to see TBB be recognised locally, regionally, and nationally. To become THE voice for businesses in Telford, representing all that we stand for, fighting for all that we’re striving for, and achieving all that we can.

“I also aim to support the growth of new businesses within Telford, and reinforce the opportunities and prosperities available within our town”.

If you’d like to know more about the Telford Business Board, please get in touch: business@telfordbusinessboard.org.uk

Paul Inions

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:13:05 GMT

"I’m proud to frequently work with the local community, as I’m eager to encourage future generations into local employment."

Paul Inions joined Telford Business Board five years ago, driven by a passion to improve the business arena locally, and to help local businesses have their voices heard.

Day-to-day, Paul is the Managing Director for McPhillips, a civil engineering and building contractor based in Hortonwood, and is responsible for ensuring seamless business operations, meeting with potential customers, building relationships within the industry, and ultimately growing a successful and thriving team of individuals.

Paul said, “I was born in Telford, and have worked for McPhillips for over 25 years. As a firm, it’s played an integral role in the development of the town – both during my time as MD and previously. I’m dedicated to making a difference, which was my main motivation in wanting to join TBB. I’m committed to working hard and showcasing – both regionally and nationally – how prosperous Telford truly is. And in so many ways.

“As a Board, we’re striving to provide new and exciting opportunities for businesses, employees and the local community as a whole. Personally, I think there’s still room for improvement, but we certainly have clear targets set and are well on our way to achieving them.

“Also, a major part of our work is enhancing our business voice. We speak on behalf of businesses across the borough, demonstrating the struggles, barriers or difficulties many of us are facing. And, we applaud brilliant business initiatives and innovations. But we want to explore this further, and have our voice be heard – and matter – nationally.

“From our business perspective, I’m proud to frequently work with the local community, as I’m eager to encourage future generations into local employment. And it can work – we have a very successful apprenticeship scheme here, with over 20% of our workforce beginning as a McPhillips apprentice. Taking time, resources and expertise to educate, enthuse, and evolve our future teams will not only be greatly beneficial to our employees, but to also ensure our local economy and businesses continue to thrive.

“Personally, I’d love for TBB to become a beacon for other local businesses, boards and communities to aspire to be like, and lead the way in supporting the business world.”

If you’d like to know more about the Telford Business Board, please get in touch: business@telfordbusinessboard.org.uk .

Flexible Working: Essential or Impractical?

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:01:38 GMT

There's still absolutely more that needs to be done to support employees to enjoy some freedom and flexibility in balancing work and life. And I don’t accept that 9-5 is the only way...

The desire for flexibility has certainly heightened since the Covid-19 pandemic, after the majority of employees saw that it was possible to be productive, successful, and highly efficient to work from home and to work at a time that better suited them and their lifestyle.

This employee expectation for some level of freedom is further portrayed through EY’s recent Work Reimaged Employee Survey , wh ereby 1,000 workers were asked about flexibility in the workplace. It revealed that four out of five employees want some flexibility at work, and 47% admitted they’d even consider changing jobs if flexible working wasn’t an option.

But this demand for flexibility can be difficult for some businesses to facilitate. Employees’ desires and employers’ appetite (and scope) to deliver are two very different things. Can flexibility ever truly be a win:win? And if it can, is it the silver bullet we’re looking for to solve the growing recruitment and retention challenges facing business owners here in Telford (and across the wider UK)? One of our Directors advocates for a new approach, believing that genuine flexibility is the future…

Back in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Felicity Wingrove, TBB Director and Strategic Advisor at Zen Communications abolished the traditional working week for her PR and content agency. And, she never looked back.

“We always offered flexible shifts - anytime between 7am and 7pm - because we wanted to support our team to achieve a positive life-work balance (in that order), but it wasn’t enough. So, in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdowns, we took the bold and brave decision to abolish the working week entirely. This means that we no longer have set hours or days that we have to work. Instead, we all have the autonomy to work when and from wherever best suits us and our clients, allowing us to show up motivated, productive and focused.

“From the outset, we established a metric of success – what success actually means for each employee, for each client and for the agency as a whole. And decisions and timings have to be a win for all three, or it’s back to the drawing board. Using this gives our team the power to show discernment and to use their judgement, and all without having to seek permission or provide an explanation. But, as with anything like this, we were anxious to officially launch it. How would our clients react? Would it impact business? Would it be as beneficial to the team as we’d hoped? We did what we could to mitigate and manage it all, but ultimately we pushed ahead because we knew it was the right thing to do. And we needn’t have worried.

“Close to three years on and everything we had hoped – and more – has come to fruition. Our team feels empowered, respected and trusted to make decisions to best suit them and their clients. They work when they’re most focused and without distraction, and they bring their very best selves. They still absolutely deliver what our clients need, when they need it, but the timeline for the production of that work is handled very differently. And that’s great news for clients, who are loving the calibre of work, the creativity, the focus, the delivery, and the sheer energy that our team always has for them. Yes, we were always good at all of that, of course we were, but now it’s at a different level.

“But it wasn’t easy, and meant really considered communication with our clients, as well as regular check-ins. And yes, if something important and time-sensitive comes up and a client needs us, then it takes priority. Always.

“Commercially it’s brought some really tangible benefits. We’ve cut costs by refining and downsizing our office; it’s made us super-compelling from a recruitment perspective and widened our pool of candidates as we’re able to consider those who can’t be tied to traditional working hours; and it’s improved employee retention even further as we’re really tough to leave!

“Whilst we appreciate that it’s easier for a service-based agency like ours to be flexible, I believe that there’s still absolutely more that needs to be done to support employees to enjoy some freedom and flexibility in balancing work and life. And I don’t accept that 9-5 is the only way. I’d urge all businesses to consider their business structure with fresh eyes. What would need to happen for them to be able to take a leap and introduce genuine flexibility into their working lives? It’s a scary step but I’m confident they’ll never look back.”

Let us know your thoughts and approaches to flexible working - have you tried and tested? Have you considered the benefits it may have on business and your team?

Are Telford Businesses Promoting Sustainability?

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:50:14 GMT

For busy business leaders focusing on sustainability can often be seen as an unnecessary hindrance. But in reality, there are many business benefits...

Sustainability is certainly a hot topic currently. A recent Forbes study revealed that 92% of consumers say they’re more likely to trust brands that are environmentally or socially conscious – meaning, it really is good for business to be proactively making positive contributions to sustainable living and working.

At TBB, we believe that all businesses in Telford have a vital part to play in the success and sustainability of our region as a whole. Here, our Deputy Chair, Andy Whyle, Sustainability Specialist at S-AW, explains how Telford – the businesses and communities within it – are actively trying to achieve sustainability, but also what more could be done to further improve it.

How is Telford actively being sustainable?

“Telford businesses have been proactive in working towards sustainability for many years. With zero waste, circular economy development, industrial symbiosis, renewable installations and innovation, improving water quality and natural capital support all being examples deployed by Telford’s practitioners and sustainability experts over the last 20 years.

“Regional and national strategy has been shaped by the way that Telford businesses, the community and Council have collaborated, whilst dedicating sufficient time and passion to actively improve sustainability where we live, work, and play.

What is the Board doing to support and encourage sustainability across the borough?

“Telford Business Board CIC is dedicated to engaging, supporting, and representing the needs and interests of the whole Telford business community. We’re looking at the national and local issues of energy grid infrastructure capacity holding back deployment of sustainable renewable solutions for our businesses. And we’re working with Telford & Wrekin Council, the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, and their Board to resolve this.

“Our Sustainability Sub Group (SSG) members provide real time business intelligence from the real world, and bring the voice of business to TBB to help direct appropriate strategy for Telford.

“Our Board members comprehend and focus on improving Telford’s sustainability, understanding that this is one of our main strengths. We strive to understand the issues, and turn them into opportunities.

“A great example of collaboration is between TBB members – Aceon and Telford College. They’ve identified a green skill gap, and are working together to provide training to meet this need, by delivering courses and qualifications in line with current energy and engineering trends .

What are the future plans and developments?

“The SSG have been supporting the Telford Climate Action Partnership, who’re now setting up a specific Business Group to increase sustainability. SSG member, Chris Lindsay will be Chair, leading the way in continuing to grow and gather business intelligence on sustainability issues and opportunities across Telford.

“Plus, the recent arrival of EVC Solutions Ltd to Telford’s NI Park brings additional electric vehicle (EV) systems integration experience and capacity. Working alongside local EV equipment provider, Zaptec UK, further adds to the systems being developed by AceOn Group. Together, this proves that Telford is gearing up for the EV revolution! And, with EVC’s Managing Director, Nigel Ryan also joining our SSG will provide additional intelligence and expertise to shape Telford’s business sustainability.

What do you believe are the challenges and hurdles for Telford businesses and communities that hinder us in being as sustainable as we would like / could be?

“Ultimately, survivability is key for many of Telford’s businesses right now. And for busy business leaders focusing on sustainability can often be seen as an unnecessary hindrance, or a luxury that isn’t a priority. But in reality, there are many business benefits – driving sustainability into your organisation can reduce energy waste and costs, but also improve employee retention, and increase business resilience.

How can businesses and communities further enhance their sustainability?

“By understanding that sustainability is not a competitive issue!

“And – most importantly - Telford businesses need to collaborate and communicate their views into the LSIP process - accessible here - to voice any issues, share best practice, and instigate change.”

Topic of interest: Apprenticeships in Telford

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:41:33 GMT

Apprenticeships are a vital part of workplace culture, able to secure and train willing individuals, moulding them into prize employees. Likewise, there is an abundance of benefits for apprentices...

Each month, the Telford Business Board will be reviewing and highlighting a topic of interest - exploring both the benefits and obstacles for local people, local businesses, and the wider community as a whole.

TBB represents businesses across the borough, but the current lack in apprenticeship intake is having a drastic impact on skilled and available workers across all industries.

Just last month on A-level results day, LinkedIn and news coverage predominately explored university as the next step in the career path. Why were apprenticeships ignored? Why are they not ndeemed to be an appropriate career path to success?

Do people really know what a modern-day apprenticeship looks like, or are they basing their perception on out-dated schemes consigned to the last century?

The largest further education centre in Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire, Telford College, has links with around 700 businesses – many as a result of its extensive apprenticeship programme. Graham Guest, TBB Board Director, Principal and Chief Executive of Telford College, and former apprentice himself, says: “Apprenticeships are real jobs – a chance to gain valuable qualifications alongside real-world work experience. With an apprenticeship, you’re on a clear career route. There’s a plan in place and a pathway for you to take – and you’ll earn your salary from your very first day on the job.

“But they do still have something of an image problem among people who don’t appreciate just how much they’ve evolved (and are still evolving), and how diverse they have become.”

Earlier this year Telford College launched a new apprenticeship hub, sponsored by the Gatsby Foundation and delivered in partnership with MRM Solutions Limited. Its overarching aim is to bring local employers together to share best practice and discuss the challenges of employing and developing people (and how to overcome them).

One Telford-based business promoting the importance of apprenticeships is civil engineering and building solutions company, McPhillips. Having run an apprenticeship programme since 1995 and seeing over 100 students successfully complete it, they now have a workforce whereby over 20% began as a McPhillips apprentice.

Paul Inions, TBB Board Director and Managing Director of McPhillips said: “Just this month, two individuals completed their apprenticeship schemes and have become full-time employees of McPhillips. Not only does this scheme create solid foundations for their careers, but they both commented on other qualities they’ve gained too, including building their confidence, gaining new friends, and of course, learning an abundance of skills. We're looking forward to welcoming more

apprentices this academic year, and do hope to continue to do so for many years to come”.

It’s clear that apprenticeships are a vital part of workplace culture, able to secure and train willing individuals, moulding them into prize employees. Likewise, there is an abundance of benefits for apprentices.

So, how can we revolutionise the societal views of apprenticeships, and start to display just how

successful they truly are?

The New Face of Volunteering

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:56:38 GMT

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a hassle. It doesn’t have to be a tie. It doesn’t have to cost you anything .

There’s no doubt that Telford is home to a wide variety of worthwhile and incredible charities, organisations and causes, and that they’re (understandably) always on the lookout for support and assistance from individuals – whether that be time, finance, or expertise-based.

But, with the current cost of living crisis there are concerns that people are going to be discouraged from getting involved as they have before. It’s certainly a concerning time for many, and donating is a luxury that many of us may no longer be able to afford.

Which is why we’re shining the light on some alternative approaches. Take the High Sheriff of Shropshire for 2022/23, Selina Graham, who’s spending her Shrieval year raising awareness of volunteering in our local community (with a particular focus on introducing young people into this sector).

“Not only is volunteering a key element to many charities – without it, they simply cannot continue to provide the essential and important support that they do, but it can provide individuals with an abundance of skills and experience”, she explained. “It’s also a great stepping stone into the world of work, as there are many that struggle to take that big leap immediately.

“Volunteering can provide you with a great sense of purpose and responsibility, allow you to make connections, but also gifts you a true feeling of achievement and pride,” she added.

“I’ve launched a social media series, The High Sheriff Asks, whereby I spotlight a local charity and the support they’re seeking in the hope that it will reach a new audience who may never have considered volunteering before. Follow #highsheriffask on Facebook and Instagram to get involved.”

But, there are other ways too…

Local charity, Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST), works with disadvantaged young people to understand their career passions and motivations, aiming to help them into the world of work and support their transition into adult life. They work in collaboration with many local businesses, entrepreneurs and mentors all of whom share their expertise with the students.

Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive at SYST and TBB Board Member, said: “SYST offers a diverse scope of assistance, ranging from expert business advice to soft-touch wellbeing support.

“We’re always on the lookout for contributions from people from numerous backgrounds - whether you have experience of starting your own business, or if you can relate with these young people on a more personal level, for example have faced unemployment, experienced mental health conditions or other difficult social circumstances.

“Your knowledge, experiences and advice is incredibly valuable. Many of these people have never even been listened to before. And so, you truly could make the biggest impact on their lives.”

And finally, the donation of goods is an alternative way to get involved. A Good Thing is a nationwide not-for-profit company that has created a simple way for businesses to donate unwanted items to local charities who are in desperate need.

Anna Bowler, Marketing and Communications Lead at A Good Thing, explains: “A Good Thing is an app that businesses can download and easily list items they no longer need. It could be old office furniture, stationery, electronics, furnishings - we’ve seen it all!”

“And, it’s true - one man’s trash truly is another’s treasure. Once listed, charities can make contact to request that they’d like the goods, and the businesses then get back in touch to confirm collection details. Just like that, the match is made.”

“It really is a simple concept. But, it’s effective. And it works. Not only does it have huge benefits for charities, but it’s also much kinder to our planet, reducing waste in landfill. It’s the ultimate win:win.”

Volunteering is a broad subject. It’s clear that it’s much more than the traditional connotations of committing vast amounts of time and money. It doesn’t have to be a hassle. It doesn’t have to be a tie. It doesn’t have to cost you anything.

Whilst time and money are still fundamental aspects of volunteering that charities rely upon, there is also so much more. And, many ways we can continue to help out in these times that are a little bit harder for us all.