How important is corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the MGroup?

We get involved in CSR through a need to ‘give back’. Sometimes it comes through a personal reason, sometimes out of a commercial relationship that has been established. What we’ve found is that it’s important that the heart is in the right place.

We’ve a long-standing commitment in particular to a couple of inspirational local charities: SeeSaw (support for bereaved children) and SpecialEffect (adding fun to the lives of young disabled people).

We really feel close to the charities and that we can make a real difference as every penny counts and is appreciated.

‘It’s fantastic to be supported by The MGroup as part of The Twin Town challenge but CSR support goes much further than donations with the MGroup; being valued friends and helping to spread awareness of SpecialEffect.’ Nick Streeter fundraiser at SpecialEffect and well-known to many of us locally.

Special Effect

Peter Smith and Steve Basham have recently become ambassadors for SpecialEffect. Steve, a Senior Accounts Executive at The MGroup, explains more. “I first became aware of SpecialEffect whilst working for The MGroup back in 2013 and it didn’t take long to see what an incredible charity it is. I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the team and couldn’t wait to support such a great cause. It’s a huge honour to be an ambassador for this truly amazing charity.”

Partner Peter Smith adds “From the moment you come into contact with the charity you realise how positive and inspirational everyone involved is. It is amazing to see how all the wonderful work they do changes so many lives. Taking part in the Twin Town 16 event enabled us to fully appreciate how highly valued this charity is. I’m honoured to be an ambassador for SpecialEffect.”

You can donate to SpecialEffect here
www.specialeffect.org.uk/get-involved/donate

See Saw

Peter Smith is also an ambassador for SeeSaw and Jane Elliott, who is SeeSaw’s fundraiser, also believes that the commitment and fundraising creativity at The MGroup shows more than just a passing interest in making a difference.

“SeeSaw has been supported by The MGroup for many years and during that time we have developed a close and warm working partnership. MGroup staff have been keen to take part in various challenge events and have donated many thousands of pounds towards our work. Peter Smith, has been influential in brainstorming new ideas and as a result has helped us to set up a countywide ‘Corporate Friends of SeeSaw Networking Group’. This now meets regularly to focus on helping businesses think ‘outside of the box’ and develop ways of working more diversely with us.”

You can donate to SeeSaw here: www.seesaw.org.uk/Getting-involved

Whether racing old bangers to France, abseiling, running the Oxford Half-Marathon each year, dragon-boat racing, fire-walking – there is always someone happy to take part and lots of sponsors in The MGroup …ready to meet a personal challenge and have a good laugh!

It’s had, and continues to have, a positive impact on staff morale and therefore retention, who’s not going to find it encouraging that Partners are happy to dress up as Ninja Turtles?

And there is a further knock-on effect that it helps with attracting new staff and new clients who share our values.

Sometimes even when the commercial relationship may seem to take the lead, there is always an underlying intention to actively support local communities and interest groups.

MGroup 200

We been supporting Oxford United over many years. Geoff Lane is a lifelong supporter of Oxford United Football Club and Steve Basham is a retired player. We now work so closely with the team at OUFC that we have co-branded our sponsorship of the 200Club Lounge.

You might know we also have several keen golfers at The MGroup and our Partners Richard Clayton and Peter Smith work closely with a number of great clubs to help support the local business community: Studley Wood, Drayton Park and North Oxford Golf Clubs.

WOBA

And talking of the local business community, we continue to sponsor the West Oxfordshire ‘Employer of the Year’ Business Award because of our belief in supporting local talent and the importance of looking after colleagues. As part of the judging committee, Peter Smith invests many hours visiting, evaluating and supporting nominees.

So, if we come jangling our sponsorship charities bowls in your direction, know that it is because we’ve taken care to make sure it’s for a good cause and that we’re having fun doing our bit.