Voluntary sector organisations and charities in South Leeds are receiving a boost following the announcement that Lloyds Banking Group will be seconding a full-time Business Connector into the area.
The Business Connectors programme, backed by HRH the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron, is run by the charity Business in the Community. The scheme takes talented individuals from the business world and places them in communities of greatest need – allowing them to use their time, networks and expertise to connect the needs of their local community with local business resources.
The national scheme has been operating for three years and is funded through the Big Lottery Fund. Malcolm Hall has left his day job as Senior Manager, for 12 months to take up this unique role.
Speaking of his new opportunity, Malcolm said:
“I’m delighted to be the Business Connector for South Leeds and am grateful to have the opportunity from Lloyds Banking Group to undertake this role. I believe business has a vital role to play in supporting and working with the voluntary sector and am very much looking to forward to making a real difference to the local communities and individual people that live here, whilst tackling some of the social and economic issues in this region.”
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said:
“Business Connectors is based on the proven impact of taking business resource, skills and time into the heart of communities where vital community services are under pressure to do more with less. Three years into the programme it is clear they are having a powerful impact, but there is still so much more to be done.
“We’re delighted that Lloyds Banking Group is placing Malcolm to work in this community. We hope others are inspired by the leadership shown by Lloyds and all the other organisations that support the programme, to also take a stand to build sustainable cohesive communities at this critical time. We look forward to working with Malcolm and seeing the valuable connections we know he will make in South Leeds.”
Damian Leeson, Group Responsible Business Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said:
“Through our Helping Britain Prosper Plan, we are committed to being the bank that brings communities closer together to help them thrive. The unique reach of our branches and businesses enables us to help communities across the UK tackle issues such as financial inclusion. Many thousands of our employees share our commitment, and like Malcolm, they use their business expertise, deep local knowledge and professional connections to improve lives within their community.”
Businesses and community groups can contact Malcom by email: malcolm.hall@bitcconnect.org or call 07740 699738.
