Fleetwood Town FC Trust & Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network – An event Celebrating Collaboration

What began as a discussion around CSR, Social Value and a shared respect for the philanthropic influence that Frank Heald had across Fylde Coast, transitioned into a celebratory joint network event between two organisations with a shared ethos.

Michelle Walker, Project Manager for the RBN and Michael Edwards, Partnerships Manager for FTCT have been in discussion for a while regarding collaboration, sharing learning from their respective organisations, and focusing on synergised community growth where needed most.

Both networks share similar values, hence the appetite to take this opportunity for the two to meet, enabling members to better understand how we can all work together for the benefit of our shared communities.

The event was presented by Pete Murphy, Fleetwood Town Community Trust Chair Of Trustees & Fleetwood Town FC Director. In his introduction Pete amplified synergies between The Trust & the RBN and thanked Michael Edwards for the broad business community relationships he has made for the Trust.

Next up to speak was Andy Charles – Director of BITC’s Blackpool Pride of Place Programme, one of Business in the Community’s Place-based programmes. Andy emphasised the sizeable ripples that Blackpool’s Pride of Place Partnership have made over the year and paid homage to the late Frank Heald who was an instrumental member of the Pride of Place Board and true champion of Fleetwood.  Andy also took guests through the amazing transformation of the Fleetwood Hospital , one of The Prince’s Foundation (now King’s Foundation)  ‘7 For 70’ projects that is also the home to the Trust’s Youth Hub. Andy presented Frank’s wife Karen with a bunch of flowers to say thank you for all the family had done for the region.

Andy Anderson, Head of R&D at Victrex and Chair of the Fylde Coast RBN described the priorities of the network and how many of these aligned with the Trusts. Andy also gave examples of potential areas for future collaboration such as shared learnings, volunteering opportunities and how business voice can contribute to national policy making. He spoke about how Victrex are both a Pride of Place Board member and the RBN whilst also a Friend of the Trust, amplifying the message that future collaboration can widen our reach and support for the benefit of our communities.

With young people being so important to both networks, it was extremely moving to hear from Sophie Turner who regularly uses The Youth Hub run by The Trust based in Fleetwood Hospital. Sophie explained how visiting the Hub has contributed to her personal growth and confidence after a difficult start to life. Sophie also stated that the relationships she has built with Trust staff have helped influence her future careers as she’d like to pursue in their footsteps.

Pete Murphy presented plaques of recognition to Friend of the Trust, Matt Porter, Managing Director at Hesketh Press, thanking him and his organisation for their unselfish assistance to the Trust. Laura Weldon from Studio LWD also received a plaque in recognition of the brief time Studio LWD have been confirmed as Friends of the Trust but the impact they have already generated.

Networking continued until after the meeting closed and feedback from all attendees was unanimously positive with great points and development areas to build upon, watch this space!

For further information about Friends of the Trust please email: Michael.Edwards@fleetwoodtownfc.com

For further information about the Fylde Coast RBN, please email: Michelle.Walker@bitc.org.uk