Businesses gather for Corporate Garden Party

Over 90 people from businesses across Kent and Medway gathered at the home of Blair and Tikki Gulland in Detling this week to enjoy a summer evening of networking.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the blooming herbaceous borders and chat in amongst the beautiful flowers including; Lychnis coronaria, roses, Sisyrinchium and foxgloves whilst enjoying canapés and drinks provided by Ulric Allsebrook from Frederic Bistro.

Blair Gulland, Trustee of Kent Community Foundation and his wife Tikki welcomed guests to their home and garden surrounded by his impressive wild flower meadow. Blair introduced Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation. She explained the key role businesses in Kent and Medway play in supporting their local communities;

“Corporate social responsibility is no longer an activity just for large, multinational corporations. Businesses of any size can play their part in effective local giving and supporting their community.”

Emma Liddiard, Managing Director at Global Media, Kent and panel member of the Port of Dover Community Fund gave a brief overview about how Kent Community Foundation works with the Port of Dover to distribute funding in the Dover area.

“I have no hesitation in recommending KCF. By the time we get to the panel meeting the work has been done, the due diligence carried out, the recommendations made with all the reasons given, all we have to do is say yes and feel good about ourselves.”

As a final treat for guests, The Changeling Theatre group took to the stage to reveal a preview of their upcoming touring show, Measure for Measure.

By investing in the local community, businesses can reach new audiences, enhance business relationships and build loyalty with employees and stakeholders by supporting causes that matter. In addition, they can see the impact of their donation first hand.

Effective charitable giving can be time-consuming, especially if your company doesn’t have additional resources to deal with requests for support and the knowledge of networks within the community. Kent Community Foundation can help meet these needs and make local giving as easy as possible, leaving companies free to manage their businesses.

If you are interested in finding out more about corporate giving, please contact Kent Community Foundation by emailing jospehine@kentcf.org.uk or call 01303 814500.