A partnership between a successful Mansfield business and a local charity, which has culminated in traineeships for young people to gain work experience, has been showcased in London.

The link was brokered by Martin Turner, the Mansfield and Ashfield business connector from Business In The Community (BITC), and highlighted to business leaders at its Seeing Is Believing event.

The day demonstrated the benefits of businesses working with local communities and charities, and encouraged them to get involved in community engagement.

Martin introduced Mansfield manufacturer Mayborn Group to the Mansfield and Ashfield charity Inspire & Achieve Foundation.
They have worked together to improve the lives of young people and bring benefits to the business.

The foundation aims to inspire young people to work towards a positive future by providing structured activities that improve their approach, attitude and behaviour towards education, employment and volunteering.

Mayborn Group, owners of the tommee tippee® brand, acquired the Sangenic Nappy Wrapper business in Mansfield 10 years ago. Using new technology for both the tub units and for the millions of film cassettes, these are distributed globally from the hygiene business.

Pippa Carter, director at the foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer traineeships because this is the final step in allowing a young person who has worked hard on our programmes to begin to make a real difference to their lives. ”

Leysa Relf, group business and corporate responsibility advisor at Mayborn Group, said: “Working with a business connector helped us to understand the challenges in the local community. The traineeships link in well with our responsible recruitment objectives.”

Martin Turner, seconded by Virgin Trains East Coast, said: “This is a perfect example of how a business and a charity can work together to support each other’s goals. I’m sure this will develop into a long-term partnership.

“I’m delighted these organisations from Mansfield and Ashfield were chosen as a showcase initiative at such an important business leaders’ event.”

Pictured are Martin Turner, Pippa Carter, left, and Leysa Relf at the Seeing Is Believing event.