Making a difference to our communities
As a company, we are keen to give back to the local communities in which we operate, as well as supporting charities and causes that are close to our employees’ hearts.
We have a dedicated team of colleagues from across our business who are committed to driving our Make a Difference strategy, which aims to maximise the support and impact we provide to the communities in which we operate.
The Auto Trader Community Fund, powered by the Forever Manchester charity, donated over £60,000 in 2018 to community groups and grassroots projects across Greater Manchester.
Donations from Auto Trader directly to other charities totalled an additional £60,000 in 2018 through our Auto Trader Sponsorships initiative which provide match-funding to employees, customers and partners fundraising for charities that are close to their hearts. Our Give as You Earn (GAYE) scheme participation has reached 11% of our total workforce and £100,000 has been donated to various charities through payroll.
But making a difference extends to more than donating money. We offer our colleagues the chance to support worthy causes across the UK through two optional volunteering days that are part of our Incredible Benefits package. In 2018 employees offered their time and expert skills to the following: Barnabus to support a drop-in centre for homeless people, FareShare to fight food waste and tackle hunger, Didsbury Park to maintain eight acres of green space, and Dress for Success, an organisation helping disadvantaged women to achieve economic independence.
To support the arts and design scene in Manchester we partner with HOME arts Centre and help fund various initiatives including the PUSH festival, showcasing some of the most exciting film, theatre and visual arts from the North West. Our exclusive sponsorship of the monthly ‘Bring the Family’ initiative enables them to provide an intergenerational film programme to audiences in Greater Manchester.
