HAMPSHIRE-based charitable foundation, the Barker-Mill Foundation, has become a pioneer supporter of the Business South Community Fund.

A cheque for £5,000 was presented to the chairman of Business South, Hazel Warwick, by Tim Jobling, trustee of the Barker-Mill Estates.

Since 1995 the foundation has supported hundreds of organisations in south west Hampshire.

Tim Jobling explained: “It’s important for businesses to give something back to the local initiatives and organisations that operate close to where they’re based, and we’re glad to be a part of making that happen.”

Every year businesses in the Business South region donate thousands of pounds to good causes. Many give as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to their locality.

Business South has launched the Business South Community Fund to allow Champions to pool their CSR resources .

The priority project s for the fund are those which will promote:

  • Employment and skills
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Health & Well-Being

Hazel Warwick, said: “We launched the Business South Community Fund at our Annual Conference at the end of April and we are keen to see as many businesses as possible lending their financial support so we can make a real difference together.”

Jonathan Cheshire, chair of the Southampton Fairness Commission, said: “The Commission’s recent report contained a number of recommendations to redress inequality and social exclusion in the city. I am delighted to see that it is the business community which has moved first to action by setting up the Community Trust Fund. Business South and the Barker-Mill Foundation should be congratulated on their commitment and leadership.

“Increasing inequality is not only damaging for the most marginalised;: it is also bad for the economy and bad for business. The commercial sector understands this and has shown real leadership with this initiative. We hope that public bodies and others who have welcomed the report will follow with their own action of their own.”

Geoff Glover, chair of the Business South HR Forum, said: “We are going through a period when public opinion is beginning to redefine the standards it expects of businesses.

“The leading businesses of the future will be excellent at wealth creation, but they will also be expected to be excellent at supporting the development of communities and protecting our planet.

“I am delighted that Barker Mills Estates are taking a leadership role and making a substantial donation to the new Business South Community Fund. I hope other businesses and organisations will follow their lead and support this exciting initiative.”

  • To find out out more about donating to the Business South Community Fund contact Sally Thompson, CEO of Business South, on 0844 225 3130 or email sally@businesssouth.org

The Business South Community Fund is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).