Volunteer day holds benefits for small businesses

Volunteer programmes have proven successful for many small businesses, providing excellent publicity in their local area as well as giving staff the opportunity to develop their communication skills.

Organised by Community Service Volunteers and supported by the Barclay’s community investment programme, the event will be held on Saturday 30 October.

With 100,000 people expected on the day, including 150 companies, the event organisers hope it will help to kick-start or enhance small business volunteering programmes.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce, said: “CSV Make a Difference Day is a great opportunity for businesses to get involved in their local communities, enabling staff to give back to the community and also develop communication and leadership skills.”

Added benefits for company staff include boosted morale, with figures released by CSV showing that four in five employees view their employer more favourably if a volunteer programme is put in place.

The event presents extensive networking opportunities, with 82 per cent of firms continuing to work together after the day and is also  used by many firms as an ideal team building exercise.

Clare Waymouth at Barclays said, “The experience taught us far more about teamwork in one day than any course could.”

Last year, the team from Cowgill Holloway, which comprised of staff of all levels, turned a 70-sqaure-metre patch of grass into a wildlife magnet by planting shrubs and erecting bird tables.

John Marshall, a General Practice Partner from Cowgill Holloway, said: “Customers do comment when they see the company in the news for something other than closing a new deal. It enables us to be seen as a responsible employer within the community."

For information on taking part visit the CSV website by clicking here.