Sponsor Spotlight: Heidi Bingham on Community, Sustainability and Why Calderdale’s People Give Her Hope
As sponsors of the Sustainability Award at this year’s Community Spirit Awards, The Craggs have long been passionate supporters of Calderdale’s voluntary and community sector. We caught up with Heidi Bingham to talk about community, sustainability and why local businesses have an important role to play in creating positive change.
What do you think makes Calderdale such a special place?
The people. They genuinely care about each other and about where they live. Even within Calderdale there are small communities with strong identities and a real sense of loyalty to their local area. That community spirit is what makes Calderdale special.
The Craggs has sponsored the Community Spirit Awards for several years. What inspired you to get involved?
I first attended the awards as a trustee and remember thinking, “We really should be supporting this.” The awards shine a light on all the incredible work happening across the third sector and it’s important that businesses recognise and celebrate that. People often see business and charity as separate worlds, but I believe they can work hand in hand.
Why is it important for businesses to invest their time, skills and resources in local communities?
Giving back is part of our business values. It’s difficult to measure the impact in exact terms, but it reflects who we are as an organisation and the culture we want to create.
It’s also important for our team to see that we’re about more than just commercial success. Being involved in the community encourages people to think beyond the workplace and often inspires them to get involved themselves.
“That's one of the reasons I value the Community Foundation so highly, because you know the support is directly benefiting local people and communities.”
What advice would you give to business leaders who want to make a positive difference?
Find something that’s meaningful to you and your local area. The time you invest is never wasted because of the people you meet and the connections you make.
Supporting local organisations means you can see the difference being made on your doorstep. That’s one of the reasons I value the Community Foundation so highly, because you know the support is directly benefiting local people and communities.
Are there any causes particularly close to your heart?
As a family we’ve supported Overgate Hospice because we’ve had both employees and family members benefit from its care.
However, through my involvement with the Community Foundation’s Grants Committee, I know just how many fantastic organisations are making a difference across Calderdale. Every grant application tells an inspiring story, which makes choosing between them incredibly difficult.
Why do you think sustainability is becoming increasingly important for charities and community organisations?
People working in the voluntary sector genuinely care about making a positive difference, and environmental sustainability is part of that.
There’s also a growing recognition that many sustainability initiatives make practical and financial sense. Rising energy costs have encouraged organisations to look at new technologies and more sustainable ways of working. What’s encouraging is that doing the right thing environmentally is increasingly aligning with good business and operational decisions.
What stood out to you most about this year's Community Spirit Awards?
The atmosphere in the room. There is so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, so spending an evening celebrating people who are doing good things for others felt incredibly uplifting.
One of the highlights for me was seeing Hazel Brindle receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hazel has dedicated so much of her life to helping other people and it was wonderful to see that recognised.
What particularly impresses you about Hazel?
She’s an absolute force of nature! No matter what challenge is in front of her, she’s always smiling and finding a way to make things happen. She has an incredible ability to bring people together, change minds and encourage support for good causes. That’s a rare skill and one that has benefited countless people over the years.
What challenges do you think local charities are facing right now?
Funding is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges.
Demand for services continues to grow while available funding becomes more limited. Local authorities are under pressure and charities are having to find new ways to sustain their work.
What’s particularly difficult is that there are so many deserving causes. The challenge isn’t finding great organisations, it’s deciding where limited resources can have the greatest impact.
How can charities thrive in the future?
I don’t necessarily think charities need to diversify. In many cases, being focused is a strength.
What will become increasingly important is embracing technology and finding more efficient ways of working. The organisations that adapt and make use of new tools and innovations will be best placed to continue delivering impact.
What gives you hope about Calderdale's future?
The people (can you tell that there is a recurring theme here?!) Every time I attend a committee meeting, a community event or the awards, I’m reminded how many good people there are working hard to improve life for others.
That gives me confidence that whatever challenges come our way, Calderdale will find a way through them. It’s part of our Yorkshire spirit, we see a problem and work together to solve it.
What would you like your business legacy to be?
I’d like to build a business that lasts, but one that’s also known for giving back. If businesses can be commercially successful while supporting their communities through volunteering, partnerships and funding, then everyone benefits.
Quick Fire Questions
Tea or coffee?
Tea
Favourite place in Calderdale?
Cragg Vale
Three words to describe Calderdale?
Passionate, persevering, and perfect
One local charity everyone should know about?
The Community Foundation for Calderdale
What makes you smile?
Children laughing
Hidden talent?
Knowing plant names
Claim to fame?
My grandad was involved in producing the first brown egg!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be true to yourself.
If you could grant one wish for Calderdale, what would it be?
Stability.
