Businesses are invited to connect and collaborate with charities at science centre skills exchange

Companies and charities will come together this July in a forum organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Hosted at the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium by event sponsor Wonderseekers, the ‘Bto3 Opportunity Expo and Skills Exchange’ is designed to boost mutual understanding and open up closer connections between the worlds of business and the third sector.

It’s open to everyone from charity professionals and civic body representatives to senior figures of companies large and small across a range of industries.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said: “Our skills exchange is a novel opportunity for companies and charities to come together face-to-face for mutual support.

“It is a uniquely Hampshire forum that will provide expert insight on how Bto3 relationships can help with skills development, ESG objectives, strategic investment decisions and improved staff motivation and retention.

“Sharing best practice is at the heart of good business. We know there is a wealth of excellence in the charities sector to address the demands of effective governance, asset management and community engagement.

“We’re privileged to showcase this to our member network and to learn from the best practice that exists in many Bto3 relationships.”

Ben Ward, chief executive of children’s charity Wonderseekers, is one of a handful of speakers lined up for the forum.

He added: “I’m delighted that Wonderseekers is able to host this event.

“Collaboration is a core value of ours and essential to us achieving our charitable reach and impact.

“Young children are often excluded from conversations that ultimately impact on their lives.

“Wonderseekers is on a mission to change that, believing early intervention is an essential enabler of social change, and I hope to use the event to raise awareness of this with the organisations attending.”

Ben will be joined by Joanne Madders, head of development at the Romsey-based Cranfield Trust, which provides pro bono management consultancy, training, and professional services to third sector organisations.

Other sponsors for the event, which has been developed by the Chamber’s Meet the Charity group, include Trethowans LLP and specialist insurer JM Glendinning Community Risk Solutions.

The forum begins at 4pm on Wednesday 19 July with networking and an exhibition, followed by a plenary and Q&A with Cranfield Trust on how to build effective Bto3 relationships.

Various exhibitors will then come forward for their five-minute ‘spotlights’ to pitch their business or third sector work to fellow attendees.

• For more information, email [email protected] or visit hampshirechamber.co.uk