A business support network has donated almost £7000 to more than 10 charities since it began five years ago.
Carlisle Business Support Network was set up in 2018 as a place for firms to network, share knowledge and raise money for good causes.
The group meets every week and has 27 members, who pay a monthly fee – with 100% of the proceeds distributed to charity.
“The idea came from a group of likeminded people in the business community,” said former chair Jenny Strong, who is corporate account manager at Carlisle’s Borderway Finance.
“We are very business focused and try to recommend and support the attendees. Because we understand the excellent service our members provide, it’s almost like recommending a family member.”
The weekly meetings are a chance for members to network, as well as hearing presentations from local businesses and charities.
Jenny added: “The content varies week on week. Sometimes it’s a chance for everyone to give a general update on what’s been happening with their business.
“Sometimes it might be that someone’s got a topic that they want to discuss or maybe they’ve faced a difficult challenge and they’re looking for some advice.
“Then sometimes there is a speaker from a local charity, or it might be a guest that comes in to tell us about their business or give us some pointers on something like marketing or social media.
“The key aim for us is to be able to refer each other but also to act as a sounding board and share knowledge and best practice. We want to keep growing and bring in people from different sectors and benefit businesses within our network and local area as well as helping more charities in the future.”
Charities which have benefited include Eden Valley Hospice, mental health charity Carlisle MIND, Blood Bikes and Spiral, a charity which supports people who have been affected by bullying.
The network gave £500 to sponsor RealiseHR, when four of its team completed the Macmillan Cancer Support Lake District Mighty Hike on the Ullswater Way this summer.
Claire McLean, chief executive of RealiseHR – who took part in the walk – is also a founding member of the network.
“It’s really a place for small businesses to connect with each other and support each other and recommend each other to grow their business,” she says.
“The members of the network have always been real advocates of RealiseHR and we all try to support each other.
“It’s very collaborative and giving in nature. It’s lovely for us to be able to support local charities, national charities or local companies doing charitable events.”
Carlisle Business Support Network has also donated £170 to fundraising group People First, allowing it to buy gift cards to give to learners as part of its Learner Awards Ceremony.
