TGtB Meets... Bath Rugby Foundation

Following the prestigious Bath Chronicle Business Awards 2014, held at Bath Racecourse on the 11th of September, we caught up with Bath Rugby Foundation - winners of the Contribution to the Community award.

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?

Bath Rugby Foundation aims to enhance the lives of young people in the local area through sport. Through our award-winning ‘Education and Inclusion’ programmes, the Foundation hope to impact positively on the educational achievement and social interaction of all the young people we work with.  We strive to motivate, raise self-esteem, increase confidence and improve life skills, by imparting the values found in rugby - camaraderie, loyalty, discipline and respect.  Bath Rugby Foundation is an independent charity, 100% funded through sponsorships, fundraising and donations.

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?

It is absolutely fantastic.  We were overwhelmed with the level of good feeling and support that everyone showed to the Foundation.  It has made an enormous difference to the team and the young people that we support as it shows how much other people value them and the work that they do. 

It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase the work that we do to the Business Community of Bath.  It also reflected very positively on our Business sponsors and supporters as they also felt part of the Award. 

Why do you think you won?

We have been a Foundation for 10 years and have taken on some challenging, but rewarding, work with young people and this has enhanced the community of Bath on many levels- and the Foundation has been embraced by the Business Community. 

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

We are all going out for breakfast to celebrate with the entire team - as unfortunately we could not all be there on the evening. 

We will also be celebrating at our next Friends of the Foundation evening at Thrings on 2nd October. (6-8pm) Everyone is welcome!

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bath?

For so many reasons; Culture, food, rugby, architecture, and shopping.

What's your favourite thing about Bath and why?

It is such a vibrant and creative community yet steeped in history and tradition. 

Tell us a little bit about the role that you play within the business?

I am the new General Manager, Mandy Gardner - and this was especially thrilling as I had only been in post for a week and a half - everyone is now expecting more awards to follow.

What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in your industry?

Hard work and perseverance, and a sense of humour is essential – as well as a belief in the power of sport to change lives.