“We’re over the moon that this partnership award recognises that communities can use their assets to create something of scale that has a lasting impact. The fact that a charity and a business both have a stake in Gloucester Services has differentiated us in a very competitive field of finalists. Most importantly, this success highlights a new approach that can be replicated across the country to unlock a whole range of community assets. Businesses and charities committing to long-term partnerships which value each other’s strengths could be an important new route for local people to realise long-standing aspirations to create positive long-term social benefit."
Amid its success, Gloucester Services has exceeded its charitable goals and created over 400 jobs, employed over 80 people specifically from ‘target’ local communities, and supported over 130 local producers within 30 miles. In the last 18 months over £700,000 has been reinvested into community projects and development activity in the target communities to support regeneration. Local residents help decide how future funding is spent through Gloucestershire Gateway Trust’s annual Community Survey and an additional £2.5 million will be committed to these communities over the next five years. Sarah Dunning, Chair of Westmorland said: "We are absolutely delighted to win this excellent award. We were once again up against some strong competition. It’s fantastic to have the hard work of everyone involved in the partnership recognised with another great award this year. The partnership with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is about investing in our community for future generations. It’s a very exciting time for Gloucester Services, now in its fifth year we are very proud of everyone who has played a part in helping to build this incredible place and those yet to be part of our story as we continue to build on all the great things that have been achieved to date together." At Gloucestershire Gateway Trust we receive up to 3p in every £1 of non-fuel sales from Gloucester Services to invest in our local communities. The Third Sector Excellence Awards were created by Third Sector to celebrate and honour the great work being done across the charity sector. Over 300 entries were received for this year’s awards and the ceremony in London on 19 September was a sell-out event. Comments are closed.
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