Oxford United in the Community, the club’s charity, is looking to harness the power of collaborating with local businesses as part of a new strategy.
It has joined a local networking group, thanks to Witney-based Modus Accountants. The firm has sponsored the charity to join the B4 network’s new NEXUS initiative.
The B4 community was established 14 years ago and brings Oxfordshire’s public, private and third-sector businesses together through a bimonthly magazine, website, social media and networking events.
Its Nexus programme pairs ‘supporter’ and ‘partner’ organisations with one another and stages regular events including an annual award show at the end of the Business in Oxford (BIO) conference.
Modus director Mike Foster said: “Modus Accountants are delighted to be sponsoring Oxford United in the Community to become part of the B4 network via the Nexus initiative. “I’ve worked closely with the charity for some time and we wanted to support the great work that they are undertaking in support of the local community on behalf of the football club.
“As supporters of grassroots football and development, we saw this as the perfect partnership for Modus and we are excited about exploring how we can work together in support of the charity’s new strategy.”
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community said: “Thank you to Modus Accountants for its generous support. By sponsoring us to join the B4 Nexus group it will further connect the charity in the county’s active and engaging business community. Working in partnership with businesses and other charities will be vital to our ability to deliver increased social impact.”
Tim Tarby-Donald, Head of Charitable Activities at Oxford United in the Community said: “This is a crucial time for Oxford United's charity. We have developed an exciting new strategy titled ‘Oxfordshire – A Community United’, which we will be rolling out across the whole county over the next 18 months. It will see us working with grassroots organisations and a range of charity partners, harnessing the power of football and Oxford United to help improve the lives of the people around the county.
“Our objective is to positively change lives in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Oxfordshire, creating and facilitating opportunities to build on the strengths that already exist. We recognise that business will be a significant contributor to the future positive development of these communities and so to receive sponsorship from Modus Accountants to help us access the range of opportunities provided by B4 via the NEXUS initiative is hugely exciting.”
Greig Box Turnbull, Vice Chair of Oxford United in the Community added: “Modus Accountants is an innovative business that supports clients to drive their strategies forward successfully and helps them achieve their ambitions, both of which we are looking to do at Oxford United in the Community, and so we are really looking forward to a strong, mutually beneficial partnership.
“This is a great step forward for United’s charity as we continue to build key strategic partnerships with business and charities that will enable us to develop and make a bigger impact across Oxfordshire.”Oxford United in the Community is the football club’s official charity and helps inspire people to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement and education.
The charity is currently celebrating its 30-year anniversary. As part of the anniversary celebrations the charity launched a Dream Big Appeal to raise funds in its 30th year to help it do more impactful work across Oxfordshire. People can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/OUITC30YEARS
Modus Accountants is a business advisory and accountancy firm, you can read more about the company here: https://modus-accountants.co.uk