The act of philanthropy – and its impact – goes far beyond simply writing a cheque.

This was the opinion behind an SMV event that brought together a diverse group of businesspeople to network and explore the value of “entrepreneurial philanthropy”: a strategic philanthropic partnership between companies and not-for-profit organisations that can both create lasting change for communities and drive wide-reaching business benefits.

The event was championed by a group of SMV members all with a track record of entrepreneurial activity and commitment to supporting charitable and social organisations. The group comprised Michael Bothamley, former partner of Bristol law firm DAC Beachcroft and SMV leader for 2023-24; Gillian Camm, a non-executive director and advisor in transformational change; Rob Crews, founding partner of Momentum Corporate Finance and Heather Frankham, a former teacher turned entrepreneur and founder of charitable trust Origin Foundation.

At the event, Heather was joined on the discussion panel by Marti Burgess, partner at Knights LLP and owner of Lakota nightclub, and Martin Thatcher, Managing Director of Thatchers Cider.

SMV was delighted to welcome over 60 individuals from a varied selection of Bristol businesses: start-up and established companies; entrepreneurs and investors; academics and community organisations, from the fields of recruitment, finance, technology, healthcare, catering, engineering and media.

Chaired by Anita Kimber, a strategic business adviser with a background in supporting Fintech businesses, the panel members were asked about how philanthropy has been part of their corporate journey, and how their initiatives have made – and continue to make – a positive difference to their communities.

Heather has promoted an attitude to charitable engagement in the workplace and talked about how encouraging a shared commitment to social action can have immense benefits in motivating staff towards making an impact as an organisation and as an individual. She also highlighted the importance of finding a common philanthropic goal that aligns with the staff culture, for example a charity fun run that proved to be a great motivator for staff at her fitness business.

Marti has long been a backer of charities and social enterprises in Bristol, including Black South West Network, Bristol Legacy Foundation and St Paul’s Carnival. She spoke of the power of harnessing community buy-in to achieve one’s goals, recalling how local supporters got behind Lakota nightclub in its early days. She has never forgotten the assistance that she benefitted from and this has inspired her to pay it forward in her dedication to local initiatives.

Martin is a fourth-generation cider maker based on the family apple farm in the Mendips. He echoed the impact of engaging with one’s local community, highlighting how the Thatchers Foundation invites local input into the decision-making process for making transformative grants. Examples he mentioned included a disadvantaged apprentice who was supported to go on and set up her own bakery business, and a nearby resident who received funding to enable them to travel to the US for life-saving medical treatment.

The events’ panelists, clockwise from top left: Marti Burgess, Heather Frankham, Anita Kimber and Martin Thatcher

Anita said, “There was such a buzz in the room. What shone through was the energy and satisfaction that each entrepreneur clearly demonstrated from philanthropy.”

The attendees – many of whom may previously have had little knowledge of SMV’s work – heard about its mission to address societal inequality and create opportunities in the region. Sarah Woodhouse, director of Ambitious PR, said “The panel discussion was inspiring, it was a true testament to the impact that business, community and philanthropy can achieve together”.

Following the panel discussion, the audience stayed on to network, with catering from Square Food Foundation. Based at The Park in Knowle West, the charity offers free and subsidised cooking classes to people experiencing social barriers, deprivation and marginalisation, and aims to reduce hunger, improve health and connect people through the joy of food.