Former Apprentice star and Countdown presenter Nick Hewer has shown his support for the Franklins £50 Challenge in a social media video.

Lord Sugar’s former right-hand man is encouraging teams to sign up to take part in the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge.

Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed funding into more however they choose – from cake sales to car washes, sponsored walks to black tie events.

The 2024 challenge will run from Tuesday 20 February to Tuesday 21 May with the underlying aim of fighting hunger, fuelling wellness and changing local lives. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation.

Nick Hewer, who lives in Northamptonshire, said: “The Franklins £50 Challenge is a brilliant initiative to test your entrepreneurial skills and see how you could grow £50 seed funding into substantial funds for charities across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. I’d encourage everyone to consider forming a team and taking part in this creative team-building challenge.”

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said: “We are so grateful to Nick for lending his support to the challenge. We’re hoping to secure a record number of teams taking part this year and would ask companies, organisations, associations and clubs to sign up before the challenge starts on Tuesday 20 February.”

Eight charities from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire have been selected to benefit from the challenge: Cynthia Spencer Hospice, the Hope Centre, The Lewis Foundation, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Willen Hospice, MK Act, Harry’s Rainbow and YMCA.

Franklins is encouraging companies and organisations to sign up to take part in the 2024 £50 Challenge before it starts on Tuesday 20 February.

To sign up visit: www.franklins50.co.uk

Nick Hewer, Andrea Smith and Simon Long

 

 

We are seeking teams to take part in the Franklins £50 Challenge 2024. 

Eight charities from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire have been selected to benefit from the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by Franklins Solicitors LLP. 

Franklins has launched a social media video to encourage teams to join, featuring representatives from each of the eight charities taking part. Taking inspiration from the opening credits of The Apprentice, the video demonstrates how the initial £50 seed funding from Franklins can grow into substantial funds for each charity. 

Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed funding into more however they choose. From cake sales to car washes, sponsored walks to black tie events – the possibilities are endless. 

The 2024 challenge will run from 20th February to 21st May with the underlying aim of fighting hunger, fuelling wellness and changing local lives. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation.  

Companies, organisations, associations and clubs are all invited to take part and join up as a team to raise money for one of the eight charities benefitting this year: Cynthia Spencer Hospice, the Hope Centre, The Lewis Foundation, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Willen Hospice, MK Act, Harry’s Rainbow and YMCA. 

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said: “We would really encourage teams to sign up and take part in this year’s £50 Challenge. Not only does the challenge raise much-needed funds for charities, it is also an excellent team-building opportunity for those taking part, showing how creative thinking and teamwork combined can generate incredible results with a long-term impact on the local community.” 

Franklins is encouraging companies and organisations to sign up to take part in the 2024 £50 Challenge. To register as a team visit: www.franklins50.co.uk  

 

In a heart-warming achievement, Franklins Solicitors LLP, Hope Centre, and His Church Charity are thrilled to announce that the Pallets of Hope campaign has smashed its fundraising target. This means that each of Northampton Hope Centre’s 11 community larders and hom

eless centre will receive a pallet of Christmas essentials, including food and warm clothes. Together, the pallets have a combined retail value of £27,500! This means that many struggling families and people facing homelessness in Northamptonshire will experience a brighter Christmas.

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors, played an instrumental role in contributing to the  success of the campaign. She not only ran the New York Marathon but also completed the Amazing Northampton Run half marathon in support of the cause. Speaking about the campaign’s success, Andrea expressed her gratitude, saying:

“The work of both His Church and the Northampton Hope Centre are invaluable to making a tangible difference to communities. As the use of larders continues to increase, the importance of ensuring they are stocked to meet the demand cannot be underestimated. Food is a basic need and it is a privilege for Franklins Solicitors to be able to support and make a difference. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported my runs and the Pallets of Hope campaign.”

Kyra Williams, Marketing Manager for Hope Centre, highlighted the urgency of the campaign, stating:

“We are seeing a huge rise in hardship across the district, debts and rising living costs mean that Christmas will be a struggle to make ends meet, instead of being the celebration it should be. This campaign will bring relief to so many with gifts, food, and warm clothing. The campaign has been a huge success; we can’t thank Franklins Solicitors, Northants Food Reach, and His Church enough for making this happen.”

While this campaign has made a significant impact during the Christmas period, the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect people all year round. This led to the establishment of Northants Food Reach, a collaboration between His Church and Franklins to encourage the business community to provide ongoing support to food banks and larders in Northamptonshire.

Operations Director Richard Humphrey said: ‘His Church provides creative solutions for a whole range of surplus food, clothes and supplies including toys. Thanks to our partnership with Franklins Solicitors, we have been able to redistribute 11 pallets of these wonderful items to support Hope Centre’s Community Larders and homeless centre.”

To find out more about how your business can support food banks beyond the festive season, visit the Northants Food Reach page here.

Eight charities based in Milton Keynes and Northampton are set to benefit from an Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by Franklins Solicitors LLP.

Willen Hospice, MK Act, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the Hope Centre have once again been selected to benefit from the challenge and four new charities – Harry’s Rainbow, YMCA, The Lewis Foundation and Northamptonshire Community Foundation – have been chosen to gain valuable funds from the challenge in 2024.

The challenge sees each participating team receive an initial £50 seed funding from Franklins. Each team then has three months to turn the £50 seed funding into substantial funds for their chosen charity however they choose – anything from bake sales to barbecues, auctions, car washes and more.

Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation. The 2024 challenge will run from February to May with the underlying aim of fighting hunger, fuelling wellness and changing local lives.

Lorraine Devereux, Fundraising Manager for YMCA, said: “YMCA are thrilled to have been selected for the Franklins £50 Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our local community to support young people both here in Milton Keynes and in Northampton where we will be launching a supported housing service for young care leavers in 2024. We are up for the challenge and looking forward to rallying our local community to get behind YMCA and help raise funds and awareness for all the great work that we do.”

Odette Mould MBE, CEO of Harry’s Rainbow, said: “I have seen so much about the Franklins £50 challenge over the years, with some amazing companies and individuals getting involved, to support many charities across MK and Northampton. I’m so delighted that we have been chosen to be supported through this ingenious initiative, to raise both awareness and funds.”

Dean Jones, Head of Giving and Development at Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of the designated charities for 2024. Our campaign to shine a spotlight on Rural Community Needs was launched in June 2023. We know from our research that there are people within Northamptonshire’s rural communities who are experiencing rising levels of homelessness, social isolation, the burden of meeting the rising costs of everyday costs fuel or food and the choice at times of whether to heat their homes or feed their families.”

Lorraine Lewis, CEO of The Lewis Foundation, said: “It was fantastic news to hear that we had been selected to be one of the chosen charities for Franklin’s £50 Challenge. More than ever, due to the cost of living crisis, the people who are diagnosed with cancer who we support in hospital are struggling to afford the basic essentials they need, in addition to home comforts. This challenge will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses to work together and think outside the box to raise awareness and funds to support those within our community who need help.”

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said: “We’re excited to be working with eight local charities who do amazing work in our communities and rely on public support to help make this happen. We hope to see as many local businesses as possible signing up to take part for 2024. As well as raising money to help make a positive impact in the local community, it’s a fantastic opportunity for teambuilding, getting creative and having fun.”

Franklins is encouraging companies and organisations to sign up to take part in the 2024 £50 Challenge. To register as a team visit: www.franklins50.co.uk

Cynthia Spencer logowillen hospice logoMK Act logoNorthampton Hope Centre Logo

ymca logo for the franklins 50the lewis foundation logo for the franklins 50harrys rainbow logo for the franklins 50Northamptonshire community foundation logo for the franklins 50

 

This festive season, a heartwarming initiative called Pallets of Hope is set to brighten the lives of those facing hardship in Northamptonshire, thanks to a collaboration between Franklins Solicitors, Northants Food Reach, Hope Centre, and His Church charity.

The campaign’s goal aims to raise funds for a minimum of 11 pallets of food, warm clothing, and gifts, all destined for individuals and families in Northamptonshire who are in need. These essential supplies will be distributed during the festive season, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy a special Christmas.

The 11 pallets, packed with necessities such as food, warm clothes and gifts, will be dispatched to Hope Centre’s various locations across Northamptonshire by the end of November. Key delivery points include Hope Centre’s Homeless Centre at Oasis House and their Community Larders. Through the invaluable support of His Church, an emergency goods redistribution charity, each pallet can be secured with a £500 pallet administration donation, which includes delivery. Remarkably, each pallet carries a retail value of £2,500.

The Pallets of Hope campaign sets an ambitious fundraising target of a minimum of £5,500, which will enable them to secure and distribute all 11 pallets with a combined retail value of £27,500.

Kyra Williams, Marketing Manager at Hope Centre, expressed the urgency of this campaign, stating:

“Due to the rising cost of living, we have seen a drop in donations and, at the same time, an unprecedented increase in the demand for our services. This means that the support of local businesses and other community groups has never been more important, so that we can continue to help as many people as possible, particularly through these coming winter months.”

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP, emphasised the power of collective action, saying:

 “We’re urging businesses to unite in this campaign to help ease the financial burden for struggling local families this Christmas. Through our partnership with His Church charity, we are able to secure pallets of essential household items for a fraction of the retail cost – meaning donations go much further.”

To make a difference and donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/pallets-of-hope

 

 

Franklins Solicitors, a prominent legal firm with offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton areas, is excited to announce the launch of its annual charitable initiative – the Franklins £50 Challenge 2024. The challenge is set to take place from 20th February to 21st May 2024, and the firm is inviting local charities to step up and nominate themselves for the opportunity to be one of the six selected beneficiaries.

Currently, the line-up of supported charities includes two prominent organisations based in Milton Keynes – Willen Hospice and MK Act – along with two Northampton-based charities – Hope Centre and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. To complete the roster, Franklins Solicitors is looking to involve one more Milton Keynes-based charity and one more Northampton-based charity.

The Franklins £50 Challenge, now in its seventh year, represents a remarkable platform for local charities to collaborate with local businesses and community groups to raise vital funds for their services. This 2024 strapline, “Fighting hunger, fuelling wellness, changing local lives“, underpins the campaign’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community.

The essence of the £50 Challenge lies in its innovative fundraising approach. Each participating team receives an initial £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors, which they have three months to turn into substantial funds for their chosen charity. The campaign not only generates financial support but also raises awareness and engages the local community in driving positive change.

Since its inception in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has successfully raised over £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation.

Speaking about the decision to open the challenge up to more charities, Rosanna Stimson, Marketing Manager said:

‘Following the success of this years’ challenge, we received such positive praise from the charities who were involved and the teams who took part that we wanted to expand the opportunity so that more people could be supported by the campaign.

We’ve focused specifically on working with charities who are dedicated to helping those affected by the cost-of-living crisis or committed to improving health and wellbeing within our communities as these are issues that affect so many of us and numbers only continue to rise.’

For the 2024 campaign, Franklins Solicitors has expanded the opportunity for local charities to participate. Charities that are based in Milton Keynes or Northampton and are aligned with the campaign’s themes of addressing the cost-of-living crisis and promoting wellbeing are encouraged to apply.

Interested charities can submit their applications by emailing marketing@franklins-sols.co.uk  (you can also register your interest in entering a team to the same address).

Or if you prefer, charities can sign up here , and teams can sign up here.

The deadline for charity nominations is Friday, 29th September for eligible charities to express their interest in becoming a beneficiary.

The Franklins Solicitors LLP team, together with the 24 teams taking part in this year’s #Franklins50 challenge, celebrated last night (Wednesday 21 June) as they saw the total raised by the challenge since 2018 smash their £100,000 target.

£20,000 was raised this year and will provide the following support to each charity:

The small gathering, held at The Marriott Hotel in Northampton, brought together participating teams from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, and the benefiting charities. Awards were given out for a variety of achievements this year.

  1. Top fundraiser for MK Act and overall: BWC Profiles – raised £3,000.
  2. Top fundraiser for Northampton Hope Centre: Louise from Miller & Chalk – raised £562.10
  3. Top fundraiser for Cynthia Spencer Hospice: Travis Perkins with £1,593.80.
  4. Top fundraiser for Willen Hospice: Team Bala from John Lewis – raised £2154.75.
  5. Small Business Superstar: Peter Bakare, Nutri Troops – raised £1,317.
  6. Best use of social media: Syncro for their launch video – raised £920.
  7. Most creative fundraising idea: dbfb Communications who produced, printed and sold their own cookbook featuring the favourite recipes of their staff, along with printed branded aprons – raised £625.
  8. Best community initiative: OneFourSix digital marketing hosted a BBQ serving breakfast and lunch for the second year running, which was promoted to local businesses – raised £800.
  9. Best example of teamwork: John Lewis Teams – their four teams – Odney, Ambleside, Leckford and Bala – competed against each other to raise a grand total of £5621.81.

The challenge required teams to take £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors LLP and turn it into as much money as possible over three months for their chosen charity – one of the   local charities taking part across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes this year.

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP, said:

“It was a great evening to get everyone together to celebrate the achievements of the teams taking part this year but also exceeding the £100,000 raised since we began the challenge in 2018. This year we really want to help towards the current cost-of-living crisis and improving wellbeing. It’s great to see the difference the money raised will make to the local charities involved.“

Lolly Marlborough, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at MK Act, said:

“In total the Franklinks50 challenge has raised £4317 for MK Act and we’re so grateful to Franklins and everyone who took part at BWC Profiles, Nutri Troops and MK Softball. This money will make the hugest difference to MK Act, helping 104 men, women and children suffering domestic violence including paying for a trip to the seaside for the children in our refuge. It has been a really fun challenge and so great for team building and building connections.”

Louise Danielzuk from Northampton Hope Centre said:

“In a nutshell this money will mean people in Northampton no longer need to go hungry and the money raised will feed 750 hungry families. Every day we are hearing more stories of people unable to feed themselves, or families having to go without food because they simply cannot afford the food, or the fuel to cook it with. This money means that this no longer needs to be the story.”

If you would like to take part in the 2024 #Franklins50 challenge, please email marketing@franklins-sols.co.uk.

Franklins Solicitors LLP are giving local businesses the chance to join an Apprentice-style challenge to raise as much money as possible for local charities tackling the cost-of-living crisis and improving wellbeing. The new series of BBC’s The Apprentice kicks off tonight, Thursday 5 January, and includes a candidate from Milton Keynes – Rochelle Anthony, owner of The Dollshouse Salon.

The #Franklins50 challenge will see teams test their business acumen to turn £50 seed funding into as much money as possible for their chosen charity over three months. Teams can choose to support MK-Act, Willen Hospice, Northampton Hope Centre, Cynthia Spencer Hospice or MK Food Bank and have between 13 February 2023 and 12 May 2023 to be crowned the Lord Sugar of the boardroom at a small award ceremony.

Budding teams can take inspiration from previous series of the BBC show like the episode where candidates had to spot treasures in the trash to make the most money at Wimbledon Car Boot Sale.

Denise Watson , Associate Partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP, said:

“Local businesses have the chance to demonstrate their business prowess and take part in our Apprentice-style challenge to help tackle the local cost-of-living crisis and improve wellbeing. It’s a brilliant team-building opportunity and we can’t wait to see what imaginative ways teams come up with to make some money.”

If you would like to take part in the Franklins £50 challenge, you can register here.

#Franklins50 challenge opens for businesses and organisations across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes to help tackle the local cost-of-living crisis and improve wellbeing. 

Five local charities will benefit from this year’s #Franklins50 challenge where businesses and organisations across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes can get creative as possible to turn £50 seed funding into as much money as possible for these good causes.

Northampton charities Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Northampton Hope Centre and Milton Keynes’ charities MK Act, Willen Hospice and MK Food Bank will benefit this year and are all working together to make the most effective use of their collective resources.

Participating teams will receive £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors LLP to turn it into as much money as possible between 13 February and 12 May 2023 for their chosen charity. The challenge is open to any business, organisation or community group and they can get as creative as they like with their fundraising as long as it’s safe and legal!

Registration opens today, Wednesday 7 December 2022, so businesses and organisations have nearly 10 weeks to get a team together and sign up before the challenge kicks off on 13 February 2023. Participating teams will receive lots of ideas and support along the way from their chosen charity and the Franklins’ team before a small awards ceremony on 12 May 2023.

Andrea Smith, Head of Business Services at Franklins Solicitors LLP:

“We’re delighted to declare this year’s #Franklins50 challenge open for local businesses and organisations to register a team to take part. This year all the money raised will go to five local charities tackling the cost-of-living crisis and wellbeing locally. Taking part is an opportunity for team building, getting creative and having fun – whilst raising money for very worthwhile causes.”

Northampton-based Digital Marketing Agency, onefoursix, took part last year and Dave Williams explained how they raised money for the challenge:

“We got the onefoursix team together and floated a few ideas around the table including the BBQ idea. At the time, with the weather being so good, the BBQ idea stuck. Who doesn’t love a BBQ?! We had no idea that it would take off as much as it did. We must have done over 100 orders that day. A big part of that is down to Issie Odom, our Digital Marketing Apprentice, who went round knocking on doors encouraging businesses to come along the following day.”

Louise Danielczuk from Northampton Hope Centre said:

“This Challenge will make the lives of those who are hungry a little easier. We encourage all Northampton businesses to get behind this amazing challenge and get their fundraising caps on to generate as much as possible to support their local community.”

David Williams, whose wife Irene was helped by Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said:

“I really hope lots of local businesses and organisations take part in this fundraising challenge and raise vital money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The care received for my wife, Irene, was fantastic and at what is a very emotional time we felt truly supported.’”

Entries are open now. To find out more and get involved, visit https://franklins-sols.co.uk/50-challenge/ 

Our offices will be closing at 17:30 on Thursday 22nd December and re-open 09:00 on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness for the festive season.