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Step up your CSR, says ANS Group Chairman
Mon 19th Oct 09 - 15:10
With a shortfall of £2.3bn predicted to have hit charities relying on corporate sponsorship over the last year, Scott Fletcher, leading entrepreneur and Chairman of technology infrastructure specialist, ANS Group, is urging businesses to recognise the importance of remaining committed to CSR.
ANS Group is a committed sponsor to community football club, FC United of Manchester, Caudwell Children, the Princes' Trust and is headline sponsor of the New Children's Hospital Appeal fundraising dinner, Notte Bella II Finito. In addition, Fletcher is also actively involved with Manchester Academy and devotes his time to mentor budding entrepreneurs.
A survey undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the Institute of Fundraising and the Charity Finance Directors' Group revealed that Breast Cancer Care depends on corporate donations for 52.6% of its income, Breakthrough Breast Cancer for 16.6%, and the Royal Opera House for 16.1%, yet the recession has resulted in a significant reduction in charitable donations.
Fletcher commented:
"At the moment, the general perception towards CSR seems to be that times are hard - businesses can use this as an excuse. It is essential that companies do not turn down the opportunity to give something back - difficult market conditions can't be used as an excuse forever.
"Aside from fulfilling responsibilities to the local area, CSR can also bring a lot of business benefits - it helps to build your brand, stimulate staff morale and attract investment. We are delighted to be able to support charities like the New Children's Hospital Appeal and will continue to do so. I just wish that other firms would step up to the mark and see how rewarding it can be."
The culmination of The New Children's Hospital £20 million fundraising campaign, Notte Bella Il Finito, takes place this week, on 22nd October at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel and will be compered by Radio One DJ, Sara Cox.