Ready for Redcar: Nigel Willis of First Choice Labels, the town’s first corporate patrons of the Philanthropic Foundation.
First Choice Labels is flying the flag for Redcar as the town’s first patron of a ground-breaking charity committed to fighting for Teesside causes.
The thriving label manufacturing and printing business has become the latest generous backer of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.
A charitable movement committed to making Teesside a better place to live, work and do business, the Foundation has raised £450,000 for local causes since its formation just three years ago.
First Choice Labels owner Nigel Willis said: “It’s always nice to lead the way so we are proud to be the Foundation’s first Redcar patrons.
“We are probably the smallest business among some iconic Teesside companies that support the Foundation but we like to do our bit for the community.”
Marske-born Nigel, who lives in Redcar, added: “It appeals to us that the money raised by the charity is all donated to causes here on Teesside. If we can help to funnel some of that funding into the Redcar area then that would be an added bonus.
“We are a proud Redcar business, we employ local people wherever we can and, having grown solidly and successfully, we are now in a fortunate position where we are able to help others who need a little bit of funding.
“Hopefully, we can be a catalyst for good in the Redcar area. I’m a firm believer that community and sports groups make a really positive impact on people’s lives but increasing numbers of them are struggling due to lack of finances in these difficult economic times.
“By joining forces with the great and the good across Teesside, we aim to make a real impact in the long-term.”
Welcoming First Choice Labels as patrons, Foundation trustee John McCullagh, director of Teesside-based engineering company MMC Group, said: “Although the Foundation regularly supports good causes in the Redcar area, First Choice Labels are the first of the town’s businesses to join us as patrons. It’s great to see them flying the flag for Redcar. Hopefully more will follow.”
Winner of the Heart of the Community award for the Teesside region in the prestigious North East Business Awards, the Philanthropic Foundation has recently set up Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club, gave £41,000 for local charities and schools via the UK’s biggest art competition and has helped to fund 37 local apprenticeships.
Among the Foundation’s corporate patrons are Middlesbrough Football Club, Active Financial Services, AV Dawson, Unasys, px Group, Cleveland Cable Company, Devereux, Cool Blue, Bulkhaul, Erimus Insurance Brokers, Endeavour Partnership, Evolution, Onyx Group, SABIC and Visualsoft.
Individual patrons include prominent local businessmen Bill Scott, Simon Scotchbrook, Barney Ord, Steve Nichols and Ian Tracey.
