43% of Merseyside residents more likely to rely on charity support this winter

CHARITIES will be under increased strain this winter as a new poll of 67,000 people shows 2 in 5 UK residents are more likely to depend on charities during the cost of living crisis.

43% of residents in Merseyside that took part in the research (865) have admitted they are more likely than ever before to have to call on help from a charity. While in contrast 38% said they are likely to reduce the amount they donate to charity due to the increasing costs they're facing on their energy bills.

While people may be planning to give less money, 35% of residents have said they're more likely to volunteer their time instead. 71% are more likely to support a local charity rather than a national or international 1 with 65% of residents choosing frontline charities supporting those most in need due to the cost of living crisis.

The findings come as the UK's largest network of food banks, The Trussell Trust, announced it had distributed a record number of food parcels between April and September 2022, with 1 in 5 individuals referred to The Trussell Trust now coming from working households.

With charities facing increased pressure, Benefact Group's Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign. Residents are encouraged to nominate a charity online at:- MovementForGood.com. using the online form. The 1st draw takes place on:- 1 December 2022, and the last on:- 16 December 2022, with 10 charities drawn every day. Nominations are open until:- Thursday, 15 December 2022.

Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said:- "It's perhaps no surprise that people intend to cut back on their charitable giving at this time, and it is clear is that charities need help more than ever. Our annual £1 million Movement for Good Awards have helped thousands of charities across the UK and we're asking people to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about. Out of some 5 million companies in the UK, Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor, and has an ambition to be the biggest. As a Group of financial service businesses, uniquely owned by a charity, all available profits go to good causes, and the more our loyal customers support us to grow, the more the Group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do and, together, we can help many good causes to continue their love and support for those who need it most in these difficult times."

This year in June, 250 £1,000 awards were donated. A further 250 £1,000 awards were awarded in September followed by £500,000 of larger grants in October 2022. A special draw was recently launched to coincide with COP27, giving 5 environmental charities £5,000 each; a further £25,000 in funding. Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Best of Britain's Businesswomen crowned at national ceremony

THE very best of Britain's Businesswomen have been crowned at 1 the most prestigious business awards ceremonies in the UK. Held in the shadow of Wembley Stadium, the National Business Women's Awards 2022 saw Dee Clayton from the Simply Amazing Training crowned as the Overall Gold Winner. After experiencing a life changing car accident in which she suffered significant injuries, Dee founded Simply Amazing Training to help professionals like herself to achieve public speaking success.

"The National Business Women's Awards 2022 once again saw the crowning of the most successful businesswomen in the UK. After a very challenging economic year, we were delighted to celebrate the best New Business, the Business Hero, the International Women's Award, the best Young Business Woman and many more at this highlight in the awards calendar." said Awards Director Damian Cummins.

The National Business Women's Awards 2022 were backed by nationally renowned brands Liebherr and Isuzu and are recognised as the credible opportunity to support and share the vision of raising the profile of business women in the UK. Judged by an independent panel of expert the awards recognise the very best business women across Britain.

"There is no doubt that the UK is home to the very best business women. That is why sector leading brands Liebherr and Isuzu back these awards and why we were able to celebrate and crown the most talented and hardworking business women across England, Wales and Scotland." continued Awards Director Damian Cummins.

The full list of Gold Winners of the National Business Women's Awards 2022 are:-

►   Best New Business - FRESH.

►   Business Chameleon - FRESH.

►   Business Hero Public Vote - Michelle John - PEGS.

►   Business Owner/s of the Year - Dee Clayton - Simply Amazing Training.

►   Business Woman of the Year - (Over £25 Million turnover) - Claire Webb - Advanced Supply Chain Group.

►   Business Woman of the Year - (£10 Million to £25 Million turnover) - Hannah Coffin - Needle and Thread Design Holdings.

►   Business Woman of the Year - (Less than £1 Million turnover) - Niamh Kelly - The HR Dept.

►   Business Woman of the Year - (£1 Million to £10 Million turnover) - Karen Garner - Sensory Smart Child Therapies.

►   Corporate Leader of the Year - Leah Marsh - Swallowcourt.

►   Influential Business Woman of the Year - Bev Hurley - YTKO.

►   International Women's Award - Hannah Coffin - Needle and Thread Design Holdings.

►   Lifetime Achievement Award - Bonnie May - Global Infusion Group.

►   Lockdown Leader - Karen Garner - Sensory Smart Child Therapies.

►   Northern England Business Woman of the Year - Helen Clayton - Baa Baby.

►   Scottish Business Woman of the Year - Lorraine Gray - Pursuit Marketing.

►   Service Excellence - GingerMay.

►   Social Impact Award - Kirsten Goddard - ALLpaQ Packaging.

►   Southern England Business Woman of the Year - Fiona Edwards - JPA Workspaces.

►   3rd Sector Champion - Yvonne Clarke MBE - Pathways Community Interest Company.

►   Welsh Business Woman of the Year - Simone Fleur Real - Clippaz.

►   Young Business Woman of the Year - Rose Radford - Rose Radford.

►   Overall Winner - Dee Clayton - Simply Amazing Training.