A record number of partners, suppliers and guests attended National Buying Group’s (NBG) annual conference in Liverpool in November and contributed to a record charity haul.
In total, over £9,000 was raised, with proceeds to be split between local Liverpool institutions, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and The Rainy Day Trust, a charity dedicated to helping the building industry. Fundraising activities included sports matches and a silent auction as well as, new for 2018, an agreement that NBG and suppliers would donate a percentage of each sale made to the fundraising total.
To kick-off proceedings, partners and suppliers came head-to-head in a charity football match, with the suppliers taking the title after a 4-1 victory. Day two of the conference saw the launch of a new initiative with NBG adding £5 to the pot for every £10,000 of orders placed and suppliers pledging to match-fund.
The conference culminated with a Gala Dinner celebration at which suppliers were recognised in the annual award ceremony and guests bid for prizes in the silent auction. The experiences, donated by partners and suppliers, included a bespoke team training session with Team GB cyclist, Dan Bigham at Derby Velodrome, an overnight countryside stay with an exclusive tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and a five-course dinner for four at Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen after it appeared in the Michelin Guide for 2019.
This year, money raised will be divided equally between the two charities, both of which are said to be close to NBG’s heart. Alder Hey is one of Europe’s busiest children’s hospital, treating over 275,000 children every year, including the son of John Connett, National Account Manager at NBG supplier, Faithfull Tools. He said: “As a family we already do a lot of fundraising for Alder Hey, but for NBG to support the charity during their conference was such a generous offer.
“You don’t realise how remarkable the NHS and this charity is until you need their support yourselves. Alder Hey have already done so much for Lewis, we are so grateful to both them and NBG.”
Hayley Thomas, Acting Head of Corporate Fundraising at Alder Hey Children’s Charity, added: “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to not just raise funds for Alder Hey at the NBG conference but also raise awareness of the charity on a national level. It’s thanks to organisations like NBG that we can continue to fund activities and projects that enhance and improve the experience of these patients and their families.”
The Rainy Day Trust, the second charity receiving an equal share of the fundraising total, is celebrating a big anniversary after providing support to those that need it in the home improvement and building industry for the last 175 years.
Bryan Clover, Chief Executive at The Rainy Day Trust, said: “We are now a one-stop shop for anyone who works for a builders’ merchant and are proud of the impact we have on peoples’ lives, we’re here to help and have been doing so for 175 years.
“The days of us helping just older people are long gone. Nearly three quarters of those who ask for our support are aged between 30 and 59 and apprentices are a major focus for the Charity. It’s fantastic to have the continued support from organisations like NBG and the opportunity to raise awareness of The Rainy Day Trust and to get in front of partners that may, one day, need our support at the conference, we’re extremely grateful.”
Planning is already underway for next year’s conference after an announcement from NBG revealed the event is moving to Glasgow and will take place on 19-20 November 2019.
For more information, visit nationalbuyinggroup.com
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