News

Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Flying Spares has renewed its association with Doorway, a charity helping young homeless people with advice and accommodation.

Keith Bullock, Chair of Flying Spares’ Employee Ownership Council, said: ‘Our founders Ben and Lucy Handford always supported local charities, and when we moved to Employee Ownership in 2020 we were keen to carry that on. We canvassed opinion across all departments and the clear preference was to support Doorway. For a small organisation, they do incredible work across Warwickshire and beyond. We raised a four-figure sum for them last year and aim to better that in 2023.

‘Everyone at Flying Spares knows that Doorway is our chosen charity, and barely a week goes by when we don’t do something. Last year’s biggest fundraisers included a cake day for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a guess the scores competition for the football World Cup, and a Christmas jumper day and raffle. We buy in bulk for our tuck shop, so it’s still cheaper than the shops, and a percentage goes to Doorway. There’s a collection tin in reception, and our staff and their families donate useful second-hand items too, especially clothes. All contributions, large or small, it all helps.’

Carol Gallagher, CEO at Doorway, said: ‘We’ve been working with Flying Spares for a couple of years now, and they have been brilliant. Their support helps us to provide accommodation for young homeless people, to start to get their lives back on track. We have a contract to deliver housing-related support services, and benefit from grants, but the donations we receive from local companies and individuals are so generous. We couldn’t do what we do without them.’