Pictured above: Front left to right are partners Carl
Durrant and Jon Carmalt. Back left to right are John Rooker, James
Daffern, Andrew Crampton and Andy Higgs
In one of the toughest years for commercial property, it's
heartwarming to think that people's generosity still prevails, with
King Sturge raising a staggering £500,000 for its 1760
charity appeal to mark its 250th anniversary.
Throughout 2010, King Sturge brought the property community
together to celebrate its anniversary year, setting a target of
£250,000 to donate to Orchid and the Children's Trust
charities plus a number of local charities chosen by each King
Sturge office.
The appeal kicked off with more than 100 of the property
industry's most influential figures meeting at the RICS.
Other headline events included the 4th King Sturge Triathlon
which attracted 2200 participants, a 1,200 mile cycle linking in
King Sturge's 16 UK offices, plus a number of smaller locally
driven initiatives including a partners car wash, a Reliability Run
and a Christmas present sell-off.
"Previously many of our CSR initiatives have always been more
about giving time rather than cash and to set national targets of
£250,000 plus a local target of £20,000 was a big ask
in these times." Says Rachel Andrew, head of CSR in
Birmingham.
"However the key all along has been about inclusivity," adds
Rachel "The cycle race was aimed at all abilities, with people
taking it in stages to complete their leg of the race. It created a
sense of team spirit and brought offices together."
"Activities like a partners' car wash also helped to break down
barriers, seeing them roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
Whereas the Reliability Run open to all - employees, clients and
colleagues offered something a bit different and provided light
relief amongst the many challenges of the year. It also
uncovered a huge common interest between those taking part and a
real talking point."
In Cornock, partner in charge of the Birmingham office
congratulated staff, clients and the property industry as a whole
for their amazing support. "This has enabled us to exceed our
fundraising target by a considerable amount and bring great
benefits to charities which are coming under greater strain during
these tougher economic times."
Rachel concluded, "I've been very pleasantly surprised.
When conditions are hard it's easy for everyone to think I
haven't really got time to organise this, yet my colleagues were
coming up to me and saying I have this idea to raise some money.
This sort of positive feedback really spurs you on. The feeling of
goodwill on both sides is very tangible."
King Sturge's chosen corporate charity this year as voted by
employees, is Macmillan Cancer Support.