Corporate supporters Spotlight: Polythene UK

They are an independent broker of polythene packaging. Founded in 2007, this award-winning company currently employs 26 staff and has an impressive turnover of £11 million. Since 2009 this very committed local business has raised over £20,000 for Sobell House, fantastic!

James Woollard is Managing Director at Polythene UK

1. Please tell B4 just why you decided to support Sobell House and be part of The 40 Club?

9 years ago when Sobell House first approached us, we decided to help because of the amazing work they do for all sorts of people in difficult circumstances. Over the years we have continued to help as much as we can. The opportunity to become part of The 40 Club has meant that we can fully commit to something that is both challenging and engaging.

2. Do you think your great commitment to a number of charities has helped your business more positively within Oxfordshire?

We report all of our fund raising activities and results in our monthly newsletter. Although our charitable activities are not a direct driver for new business, Polythene UK have become well known, both in the county and nationally, for being a pro-active supporter of many local charities – which is nice.

Additionally working with and supporting Sobell House, as part of our corporate and social responsibility initiatives, has helped us achieve recognition in several business awards including being announced winners of the 2015 IoD National Director of the Year Awards, Chairman’s Award for CSR.

3. How important is it for you and your company to get involved with a well-known local charity?

It is incredibly important. We sponsor many local, national and international charities and organisations as well as providing support for schools, colleges and enterprise initiatives.

To ‘give something back’ has always been and will continue to be part of our core values. Generally if we are asked for help or support we will say yes!

4. How have your staff risen to the challenge?

They’ve all bought into it and really enjoyed it.
I think that as a team, we’ve all tried really hard to come up with idea’s to help achieve our targets – and we’ve all had a lot of fun on the way.

Each member of staff is encouraged to attend the many fund raising events we support – even if they aren’t directly taking part they often come along in support of the others, there is generally a real family atmosphere at these events which are greatly enjoyed by everyone.

5. Would you say your staff are more motivated and productive as a direct result of working with Sobell House?

I would like to think so yes.

6. And lastly, what message would you like to give to other businesses considering supporting Sobell House?

I am always surprised, how few companies get involved with local charities. I only ever seem to see the same faces at all of the fundraising events. I would strongly encourage ALL Oxfordshire based business to join in – especially the business focused fundraising campaigns like The 40 Club.

Being a member of The 40 Club is a two-way process. It helps to build team spirit by incorporating charitable giving into the organization. It gives access to new audiences through Sobell House that will grow your business contacts at The 40 Club networking events. And last but not least, your business is not only seen but will be recognised as a caring local company.

If you are interested in forming a partnership with Sobell House and would like to know more please contact Tim Wraith their Corporate Partnerships Manager.