2024 marks a new chapter for the Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments, as they implement their new charitable giving policy.
Historically, donations and support for initiatives have always been done on an ad-hoc basis, however, this year in line with the group’s wider Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, leaders have taken the opportunity to formalise the way they give back to the community.
For the first time, employees were invited to nominate charities close to their hearts. Nominations were then shortlisted to ensure the suggested charities align with the group’s values, employees then voted for their preferred charity.
For the financial period, 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, the group have elected Derbyshire Mind as the beneficiary of their charitable fundraising initiatives.
Thomas Clowes, Managing Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, said: “As we celebrate 60 years in business this year, it feels poignant to formalise the way we give back to our community. This is something we’ve done since my father set up the business in 1964.
“As we evolve our business with ESG in the forefront of our minds, our charitable initiatives remain a priority. Mind has always been a charity that’s been on my radar as Mental health affects so many people in so many ways. Whilst the charity was chosen by our employees, I am personally pleased to be supporting this charity for the next year.”
Derbyshire Mind is the local independent mental health charity within the national Mind network. Their focus is on improving mental health and wellbeing for people across Derby and Derbyshire. They provide a range of community mental wellbeing services designed to support local people with mental health problems as well as the wider population.
Laura Mitchell, Marketing & Fundraising Co-ordinator, Derbyshire Mind, added: “I’m delighted that Derbyshire Mind have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for Clowes Developments.
“We use our fundraised income to deliver a range of services, including our mental wellbeing services and projects, these are all designed to boost mood, reduce loneliness and isolation, and create connections between people to support good mental health. The money raised will make a big difference to our work.
“Derbyshire Mind’s vision is for everyone in Derbyshire to have good mental wellbeing and to live their best life. We’re excited to be working in partnership with Clowes Developments and look forward to seeing how the partnership develops over the next year.”
Clowes have several fundraising events planned throughout the year with the first being a charity golf day, sponsored by Leicestershire-based design company, Carve. ‘ProperTee’ will be held on Friday 3rd May at Brailsford Golf Course. The 12-hole course will host 12 teams of 4 made up of businesses from the property sector.
Following a welcome breakfast at the course’s clubhouse, Acorns, teams will head out to play a Texas scramble format off a shotgun start. Following the competition there will be a prize giving ceremony with a top prize worth £500 donated by FHP. Interested parties are invited to contact lucy.bloor@clowes.co.uk.
It isn’t the first time Clowes have supported Derbyshire Mind. In 2023, the group match donated funds raised at a live music event organised by The Hairy Dog. As well as committing to donate all fundraising activities to Derbyshire Mind for the next financial year, Clowes have been announced as headline sponsor for the Derby County Community Trust Black and White Ball which is taking place on Thursday 11th July.
Clowes Developments will also be taking part in Mental Health Awareness Week from the 13th-19th May. The group’s Marketing Assistant, Lucy Bloor, will be posting a mental health awareness campaign every day across their various social media platforms.
On the 17th September, Clowes will be officially celebrating their 60th anniversary with employees and to mark the occasion staff will wear blue for Derbyshire Mind. In November, members of the Clowes team will be taking part in the ‘Mental Elf’ fun run at Elvaston Castle.
