Partner Article

Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau

A law firm in the city has helped to mark Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau’s 75th anniversary by toasting their relationship which began in 1940.

Band Hatton, which merged to form Band Hatton Button in 2013, helped Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau expand in the city after the outbreak of the Second World War.

Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau was initially set up as a wartime emergency service. It dealt with over 1,300 wartime inquiries during its first few months and quickly needed to expand its services.

Band Hatton assisted by providing additional office space rent free at its premises at Barbican Chambers in Earl Street.

In November 1940, Barbican Chambers was destroyed during the Blitz but the relationship between the two organisations continued and Band Hatton Button still assists Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau with property matters 75 years on.

They came together to celebrate their shared history at a reception held at the Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau at Kirby House in Little Park Street.

Julie Calcott, partner at Band Hatton Button, said: “It is unusual for two organisations to have worked together for more than seven decades and we are proud that the relationship has continued to evolve.

“We wanted to help the Bureau celebrate its 75th anniversary having shared such a long-standing history with the charity, and to also congratulate it for the work it has achieved.

“It continues to play an integral role in Coventry with its projects and campaigns helping to tackle social issues, and providing support for thousands of people in the city.

“Our involvement with the charity started as it looked to source new office space, furnishings and volunteers to expand in the city.

“We have since worked with the charity on a number of projects and over the last decade have helped to draw up the property leases for the Bureau’s last three commercial premises.”

Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of subjects and is involved in projects and campaigns that aim to improve the overall quality of life for those living in Coventry.

Simon Brake, chair of Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “We are exceptionally proud of our long history in helping the people of Coventry with the problems that they face. The fact that we have been able to do this for 75 years, and to share that history with Band Hatton Button, embeds us firmly in the fabric of the City of Coventry.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .