As one of the region’s flagship multi-million-pound businesses, Pattonair recognises the importance of giving back – and started 2019 with huge ambitions to back local projects and people that are making a difference.
The company is committed to making its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) a priority, said CEO Wayne Hollinshead.
“Prioritising CSR as part of Pattonair’s strategic vision demonstrates the organisation’s values and serves as a strong base for engaging employees and the local community,” he said.
During the year, Pattonair helped various enterprising initiatives across Derbyshire, some of which stemmed from a major sponsorship deal with Derbyshire County Cricket Club (DCCC).
In the partnership, which was struck in January 2019, Pattonair was granted naming rights over the cricket ground. Crowds flocked there for what turned out to be a season of exciting games and events.
Wayne also notes “It is vital that we underline our commitment with clear and visible involvement and our partnership with DCCC is symbolic of this cause, giving Pattonair a positive and significant presence at one of the region’s top sporting venues.”
The company also lent its support to DCCC’s affiliated clubs and other sports teams with the donation of much-needed kits and equipment to aid their endeavours.
Local youngsters, including Spondon Rovers Thunders Under 11s, Sinfin Sharks Under 10s and Mickleover Sports Football Club Under 15s were just some of the teams that benefited, as well as rugby, cricket and netball teams. Most of the clubs have links to Pattonair employees.
Meanwhile, in July, the company invited more than 300 schoolchildren to celebrate the BRM Solicitors’ Chesterfield Festival of Cricket at the town’s Queen’s Park.
And, recognising the contribution of women to football, the company went on to proudly sponsor the Derby County Ladies’ Football Club Academy Team.
Devoting sizeable support to the business community, Pattonair sponsored a ‘This Girl Can’ event, held at DCCC’s 1870 Business Club.
The guest of honour, former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, shared her life experiences and achievements, inspiring more than 170 businesswomen from across the Midlands.
In September, the company sponsored a parachute jump by the Royal Logistics Corps Silver Stars display team, helping to raise money for the national charity of the British Army. Pattonair wanted to highlight the endeavours of staff members who are former armed services personnel.
One of the year’s highlights was the lavish Pattonair Autumn Ball at Derby’s Roundhouse in October. It raised more than £57,000 for Dementia UK, which will be used to support the funding of the first Admiral Nurse in Derbyshire.
The company had another sparkling night in November when it was involved in Derby’s biggest fireworks extravaganza at the Pattonair County Ground.
Chosen to set off the display was inspirational dad Martin Forster, who uses a wheelchair following a workplace accident and devotes hours every week to coaching local cricketing youngsters.
As well as all this, Pattonair has seen another successful year in its role as a major global aerospace supply chain service provider.
“It really has been a wonderful year helping support some great causes across the region,” said Wayne.
“In the long term, the challenge will be to increase our strategic ambitions for this kind of activity. We want to achieve this through continued employee involvement and building additional global relationships.”
For more information about Pattonair, visit www.pattonair.com
