Business2Schools was established to connect businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover, Tesco and several City financial firms with schools so that pupils can benefit from both cutting edge technology and high-quality furniture.
The programme has resulted in thousands of pounds of furniture and equipment, including state of the art computers – surplus to requirements for businesses, but still fully-functional and way beyond the reach of a normal school IT budget – being given to schools in the Chichester, Bognor Regis, Kent and Watford areas.
Business2Schools plans to expand the programme across the UK creating new opportunities for both schools and businesses
Lindsey Parslow founder of Business2Schools commented: “At Business2Schools, we hope to create an ethical and environmental solution to the way companies in the UK replenish, refurbish or relocate their offices. The programme aims to help businesses and schools collaborate in a sustainable way that has the added benefit of improving the level of infrastructure in schools.The firms involved have been very generous in terms of their time and investment because they see the importance of ensuring that the future generation and their potential future workforce is prepared for the offices of the future. We are extremely grateful for the recognition of all our hard work today. We hope that Bishop Luffa School is just the beginning. We’re looking for more firms and schools to participate in the programme and to take Business2Schools nationwide.”
Austen Hindman, Headteacher, Bishop Luffa School: “In offices across the UK,
there is a regular need to replace and upgrade furniture and tech, far more quickly than a school would. The Business2Schools platform will allow us to fill classrooms with items that will help students fulfil their potential and provide them with far better technology and inspiring furniture. We hope it will also create a stronger relationship between businesses and schools across the UK, so we can also improve the educational experience and career path of students. I am delighted that so many businesses have got involved already. It is fantastic to see such a broad range of industries supporting the initiative.
Dominic Pegram, Salt & Pegram, commented: “We supply businesses with millions of pounds worth of new furniture every year, but where does their old kit go? With the Business2Schools initiative, we now have the perfect answer. It will contribute to delivering the potential of Britain’s young people. Fabulous.”
Richard Snowball, EFG Private Bank “EFG Private Bank is delighted to be involved in this initiative and to be giving a helping hand to future generations as well making a better impact on the environment. Supplying unwanted IT equipment and office furniture allows schools to really focus on using their already overstretched budgets on areas that really matter; providing tools and support to children to enrich and enhance their education. Business2Schools’ ethos is closely aligned to EFG’s five key values of being Accountable, Hands-On, Passionate, Solutions Driven and Partnership-Orientated. With the backing of EFG Private Bank, we will personally continue to provide support, where possible, to make this a success and urge other companies to think about this initiative when disposing of IT equipment and office furniture.”
Stuart Bonthrone, ESRI UK: “ESRI UK have long supported schools and higher education providing both software and resources free of charge to the sector with the aim of helping students to develop expertise and understanding of geographic information systems and associated IT. This also supports future employment in a growing sector. We are delighted to combine these efforts with the Business2Schools’ mission to create an even more compelling offering to support schools and meet the multiple budget challenges in today’s environment.”
