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 Forever Manchester, considers applications and awards up to £1,000 to community groups and grassroots projects across Greater Manchester. The Community Fund also supports projects with the Kings Cross Saint Pancras Community Association. In financial year 2019, the Fund has donated £75,000 to various local groups, in both cities, that bring people together and empower them to create sustainable changes in their lives.
Donations from Auto Trader directly to other charities totalled an additional £100K through our “AT Sponsorships” initiative which provides match-funding to employees, customers and partners who were fundraising for charities that are close to their hearts.
We decided to replace corporate Christmas gifts to customers with donations to charities of their choice. Our Give as You Earn scheme participation has reached 16% of our total workforce and £90,000 was donated to various charities by our colleagues.
But making a difference extends to more than donating money. 45% of our colleagues have utilised one of our Incredible Benefits, two optional volunteering days, to support worthy causes across the UK. They have collectively offered 467 volunteering days to try and battle food poverty, renovate green spaces and provided coaching and mentoring. The participants of our Leadership Development Programme took part in Ideathon; joining a mix of leaders from some of the most exciting organisations worldwide, collaborating to solve a live strategic challenge for the CEO of a leading charity.
