Pictured: (l-r) Kelvin Thomas, Chairman of Oxford United Football Club and Tim King, Fredericks client manager

Oxford United Football Club (OUFC) is pleased to announce a partnership agreement with microfinance organisation, Fredericks Oxfordshire.

Launched three months ago, Fredericks Oxfordshire is a local loan fund for people looking to start or grow their business with small loans when they are unable to get traditional finance. What makes these loans different from other finance is that they come with a package of support and mentoring, to ensure the best possible future for their business. 

Fredericks client manager, Tim King and Chairman of Oxford United Football Club, Kelvin Thomas have established an alliance to promote Fredericks to the OUFC supporters and corporate members.   

The key driver for OUFC's involvement with Fredericks lies in the clubs on-going drive to help benefit the local community.  

The club supports numerous charities and has community officers with the sole responsibility of promoting healthy living programmes in schools. 

This agreement to support Fredericks Oxfordshire further underlines the clubs strong commitment to the community.

Kelvin Thomas said: "We are happy to partner with Fredericks to the benefit of the local community and hope our on-going relationship will provide the impetus for businesses to succeed in such difficult economic times."

Tim King, Client Manager at Fredericks Oxfordshire states: "We are delighted that Oxford United has taken the decision to support Fredericks - a great new partnership has come to life. There are many ways people can get involved with the scheme ranging from fundraising, investors to mentoring, sitting on lending panels, and referring new clients.  It provides an excellent opportunity for corporate businesses to develop their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy to maximum effect. Investors can also benefit from the Governments Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) scheme which is available to both individuals and companies and is worth up to 25% of the value of the investment." 

Fredericks Oxfordshire Chair, William Barton who is the Business Development Officer for West Oxfordshire District Council explains: "Fredericks Oxfordshire isn't just about lending money, it is about helping local businesses succeed. The success of this project has been a great team effort and is a splendid example of what can be achieved by working together and being committed to making things happen."

"Fredericks Oxfordshire has not just appeared or happened by accident.  It is the result of a lot of hard work and determination by a group of committed people.   Significant funding and excellent support for the project has been gained from many organisations including: Beard Construction, Critchleys, Jennings, Torpedo creative marketing, Four Pillars Hotels, Blenheim Palace and Cornbury Park to name a few. We are delighted to be adding Oxford United Football Club to our long list of local supporters, yet another example of local business people and entrepreneurs giving a helping hand to those less fortunate."