Slough: SEGRO launches Centenary Fund to support communities

SEGRO, a leading owner, manager and developer of warehousing and industrial space, has launched a new £10 million Centenary Fund which will be used over the next decade to make a positive impact within communities in the UK and Continental Europe, including in Berkshire.

The majority of the first year’s funding of more than £1m will be allocated to projects which provide emergency relief and which will help address the longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEGRO is partnering with Berkshire Community Foundation, a charity which helps individuals and businesses achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropic goals by supporting local good causes and non-profit organisations, to help identify charity partners which will make immediate and meaningful interventions within Berkshire’s communities. Charities which provide support to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are interested in applying for funding should visit www.berkshirecf.org.

David Sleath, chief executive of SEGRO, said: “The SEGRO Centenary Fund is one way of recognising the vital role our communities have played in our success over the last 100 years and making sure we give something back by helping thousands of people now and over the next decade.

“Many of the areas where we invest are characterised by high levels of unemployment and social deprivation. We understand the long term need to ensure people from all backgrounds have the skills, training and opportunities to secure meaningful employment. These are the areas where we are focusing the SEGRO Centenary Fund and where we feel we can make a significant difference to people’s lives.

“However, in the near term, we cannot ignore the potentially devastating and long-lasting socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, we are accelerating the launch of the Centenary Fund and broadening its purpose to help address urgent needs in our communities during this time of crisis.”

Gerry Lejeune OBE, chief executive, Berkshire Community Foundation said: "BCF are delighted to be part of SEGRO's Centenary celebration fund. SEGRO have been a major contributor to supporting the community since they began in 1920 in Slough.

“They have always supported the most in need and have now extended their reach with this amazing new fund and we are very much looking forward to working with them to make an even greater impact in the Community.

“Our congratulations on the first 100 years and sincere thanks from the BCF team and most importantly the many thousands of people who have been helped over the years and the huge numbers that will be supported through the new Centenary fund.

"The SEGRO Centenary Fund will build on and extend the company’s long-standing and well-established approach to community engagement and support, representing a 10-year commitment to help improve the lives of tens of thousands of people.”

It was originally intended to be launched on May 19 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of SEGRO’s establishment, however the plans have been revised to provide urgent support to members of the community who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first year, funds will be used to help a variety of charities to provide basic necessities, such as food, medicines and household essentials, and to support other initiatives which will help alleviate the impact of the crisis.

In the longer term, the fund will focus on community projects which help young and disadvantaged people into employment and will create community spaces to support people’s training, health and wellbeing.