Leeds companies join Holbeck charity alliance

A Leeds-based community charity is strengthening its impact with the launch of a new business initiative designed to expand local support and services.

Holbeck Together has created the Holbeck Together Business Alliance, bringing a wide mix of well-known Leeds companies into a shared effort to reduce inequality, build resilience and widen opportunities for residents in Holbeck. 

Members of the new Alliance include organisations across professional services, hospitality, property, design, sport and media, from major firms such as KPMG, Leeds Building Society and Leeds United to independent businesses and consultancies. 

The group was formed earlier this year after member businesses learned more about the charity’s work and stepped forward with a blend of financial backing, practical volunteering and strategic input.

Support so far includes corporate volunteers assisting at every community event this quarter, funding pledges for year-round activities, contributions to seasonal campaigns and specialist advice on business development and financial sustainability. 

The initiative reflects Leeds City Council’s wider ambitions around creating a healthy, thriving and resilient city, embodying its collaborative “Team Leeds” approach.

Elissa Newman, chief officer of Holbeck Together, said: “The support that has emerged through this Business Alliance has been phenomenal.

“Some businesses have been long-term supporters of Holbeck Together and have generously given time, skills and financial support for a number of years. 

“Others are new friends of the charity, and we look forward to building our relationship with them over future years. 

“Every business at the inaugural meeting has helped us in ways that are both practical and life-changing for our community.

“The Alliance moves us closer to reducing our reliance on grants and developing new, sustainable models of investment so we can continue delivering the services Holbeck deserves.

“People in Holbeck have a 12-year lower life expectancy than people living in Harewood – a distance of just 10 miles. 

“As a charity working in an area where people face some of the starkest health inequalities in the city, this Alliance strengthens our resilience, our capacity and our ambition to reverse this statistic.”

With plans to grow its membership further, Holbeck Together is inviting companies from all sectors to join the Alliance and help drive long-term positive change for the Holbeck community.

Jonathan Morgan, partner at Zenko City Living Leeds, who has played a pivotal role in bringing businesses together, added: “Holbeck Together is one of the most agile, community-focused organisations in Leeds. 

“The Business Alliance brings the skills, networks and collective energy of the private sector to support an organisation making a real difference. 

“This partnership is already generating tangible value – not only financially, but in shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for Holbeck.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →