Groundwork NE & Cumbria names partnership lead

Environmental sustainable charity Groundwork NE & Cumbria has appointed Laura Farrell-Pronesti as partnership development lead, a new role designed to strengthen the charity’s funding strategy.

With a shift away from EU funding, the Newton Aycliffe-based charity is focusing on diversifying income streams, securing business partnerships and expanding sponsorship opportunities. 

Laura’s role will be crucial in addressing funding challenges, ensuring sustainability for key programmes in employment, energy efficiency, land management, health and wellbeing and youth support.

Laura said: “I am delighted to continue my journey with Groundwork in this exciting new role. 

“Being part of an organisation that makes such a huge difference to lives and communities across the North East is so important to me, and I look forward to this new chapter. 

“I am excited and ready to develop new funding streams and engage with the region’s business community in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways."

Her appointment underscores Groundwork’s commitment to building strong public and private sector collaborations to support local communities.

Lisa Locke, head of business development at Groundwork NE & Cumbria, added: "We're excited about the opportunities the new Partnership Development role will bring to Groundwork. 

It's all about creating and building strong, long-lasting relationships with businesses and organisations that want to make a real difference in their communities and for the environment while enhancing their ESG values.

“Laura is an ideal appointment having worked for years as coordinator of our Waste and Recycling Visitor Education Centre at Campground Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Gateshead. 

“During her time in that role, she worked in partnership with The South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership (STWMMP) and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery.

“She has a proven track record in community engagement and partnership development and brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role.

“Her dedication to community and environmental causes aligns perfectly with our goals. We are confident that Laura will create and drive new opportunities and funding initiatives to support our vital work.”

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