Raising money for charity

Over the last five years Premier Club Manager Luke Simons has been raising money for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Luke said: 'I originally chose Acorns because my Granddad regularly crafts wooden toys for the hospice to either use or sell in their shops. I visited the hospice to see the work that they do and found it one of the most moving experiences of my life, it certainly inspired me to help.’

Luke’s helped run various charity walks for Acorns Children's Hospice, including the Three Peaks Challenge, Coast to Coast along Hadrian's Wall, and a walk along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. He’s managed to raise over £16,000 which is a significant achievement. The challenges involved some of Luke’s colleagues from Smiths News and friends. Luke said: ‘We always set tough challenges that take a lot of training and dedication; it’s rewarding on a personal level and makes us feel like we have earned our donations!’

Time off for volunteering

Mike Makinson, a senior business manager in our commercial team, has used our volunteering policy to take time off to serve as a school governor.

Mike said: “I thought I could give something back to the community, while also having a say in how my children are schooled. Smiths News has been very supportive, allowing me to take time off each month to concentrate on my governing duties. Being part of a successful organisation has helped in terms of structure, customer focus and governance – all these skills can be practised in the committee and governing body meetings.

I think that getting involved in the community in which we work and live is really important. Both business and communities can gain a significant amount from sharing experiences and supporting each other. Also it’s good fun! I really enjoy my governing duties, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to know that I am contributing to the local community.”