Swindon & Wiltshire News
Charity breakfast raises £400 for Ainslie’s Pavilion Project
Swindon accountancy firm PPS Chartered Accountants has raised £400 for Ainslie’s Pavilion Project following its latest Business Charity Breakfast.
The event welcomed 28 attendees on the day, bringing together local business professionals for a relaxed morning of networking, conversation and fundraising in support of the community-led project based at Purton Cricket Club.
Ainslie’s Pavilion Project was launched in memory of Ainslie Duffell and aims to build a new accessible pavilion, helping ensure that illness or disability does not prevent people from staying connected to sport and their community.
Sally Holland, partner at PPS Chartered Accountants, said she was really pleased with how the morning came together. “We were so pleased to raise £400 for Ainslie’s Pavilion Project.
“It’s a charity with a strong local connection and a story that really resonates, so it meant a lot to be able to support it in this way.”
She added that the event struck the right balance between business and community. “We had some great feedback on the morning. People really enjoyed the talk from Darren, and there were some strong connections made, with a few people already following up on business after the event.”
The event featured a talk from Darren Earney, owner of Elevate Online Marketing, who shared practical advice on how businesses can improve their visibility online.
Phil Duffell, speaking on behalf of Ainslie’s Pavilion Project, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to PPS and everyone who attended for their support. Every bit raised helps us get closer to creating a space that means people can stay connected to their sport and their community, even during difficult times.”
Sally said the relaxed format continues to be a big part of the appeal. “There’s no pressure, no 60-second pitches, just proper conversations. People come along, enjoy a good breakfast, and get to know each other naturally.
“We actually started back in 2017 as Ladies Love Lunch, then it became the PPS Business Lunch Club, and more recently the PPS Business Charity Breakfast. It’s always been about bringing people together and supporting good causes locally.”
Since launching, the events have supported 23 charities and community projects, raising a total of £8,545.
“What’s been really nice to see is that charities often gain more than just the fundraising. They make new connections, find volunteers, and sometimes even pick up further support or funding afterwards.”
The PPS Business Charity Breakfast will continue throughout the year, with the team committed to supporting local charities while keeping the same informal, welcoming approach that regular attendees have come to expect.
