Social value experts headline Giving Network event

Delegates from businesses and organisations across South Yorkshire came together for an exclusive networking event to hear from two industry experts about the benefits of social value and investment.

Jack Kidder, responsible business manager at Henry Boot, and Mark Burley, social value and partnership manager at Keepmoat Homes headlined the South Yorkshire’s Giving Network (SYGN) event.

Hosted at Henry Boot’s new Sheffield headquarters on Charles Street, the Capturing Social Value and Investment event highlighted how businesses can expand connections and discover new ways to contribute to the local community by joining the South Yorkshire’s Giving Network.

SYGN is a philanthropic business network run by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF). It provides access to exclusive networking events, fosters strong relationships with like-minded supporters and enables businesses to fund community groups throughout South Yorkshire.

Jack Kidder, responsible business manager at Henry Boot, said: 

Henry Boot has always been incredible at giving back to the local community and we’re proud to be a responsible business. More and more, in our industry though, social investment is becoming integral to how we win and deliver work.

We believe that social value is no longer an add-on. It’s everyone’s responsibility. It’s about listening to what people believe matter the most and investing in long-term partnerships, like the one we have with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

 

Mark Burley, social value and partnership manager at Keepmoat Homes, said: 

Social value and investment is about how you can do well by doing good. It’s not always about investing large sums of money. In fact, through SYCF, we support charities who survive on less than £5,000 a year and the support we provide is a lifeline and invaluable to these groups.

 

Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes for SYCF, said: 

It was fantastic to hear from both Jack and Mark, two real experts in their field, on how business can connect with communities, invest in long-term partnerships, and reap the benefits.

Our Giving Network is a great way to help businesses take small steps to make a big difference. Many businesses in South Yorkshire have fewer than 10 employees, so social value and community investment can seem like a big challenge, but that’s where SYGN can support in bringing together groups of like-minded companies to make an impact.

 

To find out more visit our SYGN page.