Michael Jones Jeweller
Community champions: how businesses can make a diff erence
In the bustling landscape of local businesses, there’s a growing recognition of the profound impact that corporate social responsi- bility can have on communities. Michael Jones Jeweller stand as a prime example – an inspiring force for philanthropy in Northampton and Banbury. But their story isn’t just about the company’s own generosity; it’s a
testament to what’s possible when businesses prioritise giving back. What sets Michael Jones Jeweller apart is their co-operative
structure – a model based on shared ownership and collective decision-making. At the heart of Michael Jones Jeweller’s ethos lies Michael Jones Jeweller Community Fund. Each year, they allocate a portion of their remuneration costs – £35,000 in recent years – to this fund. T is fi nancial commitment serves as the backbone of their charitable endeavours, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to local causes and organisations. This ethos of shared responsibility extends beyond fi nancial contributions to active participation in community projects and partnerships. It’s a reminder that every business, regardless of size or industry, has the power to make a diff erence. One way Michael
Jones Jeweller encourage community
involvement is through employee volunteering. Staff members are given a volunteering day – a day for which the company pays them to support a charity or local cause of their choice. T is initiative not only benefi ts the community but also fosters a culture of giving within the company.
Thomas Sinclair, the charity co-ordinator at Michael Jones
Jeweller and manager of their Grosvenor Centre Showroom, has the fulfi lling role of allocating donations and gifts in response to all the charity requests received every year. T omas said: “We like to use a large portion of the money on
a bigger local project that can really make a diff erence. In the past, there have been projects such as building a new garden at Northampton General Hospital and supporting the food bank set up by Northampton Cathedral by providing a two-year grant to help them to continue the brilliant work that they do to feed those in need in the community. “We are currently giving an annual donation of £5,000 to T e
Lowdown, a mental health charity catering to young people between the ages of 11 and 25. With the increase in demand for these services since lockdown, T e Lowdown provides vital support to vulnerable individuals and our donation aids it in its eff orts to expand its youth programmes and initiatives. T e remainder of the fund is used to help support other local charities and causes, whether it is the donation of a prize for a fundraising event, a monetary donation or sponsorship, or the purchase of necessary resources. We are fortunate to be able to support on average 50 to 55 local causes every year in the Northampton and Banbury areas.” Michael
Jones Jeweller’s long-running relationship with
Workbridge – an organisation supporting individuals with mental illness and learning disabilities – is just one example of their impactful collaborations. Through their sponsorship, in 2021 Workbridge opened a shop and studio to enable them to sell bespoke gifts made by their service users and provide a retail experience for adults at Workbridge. By providing crucial assistance, they empower individuals to thrive and contribute to society. A reminder that even small gestures can create lasting change.
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