A Melksham-based business networking group comprising 35 motivated members, has raised well over £13,000 in 2019 for local charities and communities.

Kieran Thomas, committee chair of the Business Growth Group said: “We are very proud to have raised over £13,000 for local charities and communities.

"I believe this demonstrates the level of commitment the members of the group show in giving something back.

“The remarkable amount raised displays how members are not simply attending with the intention of establishing business contacts but wishing to contribute to the local community too.”

The Business Growth Group has been established for six years. Members include businesses such as Naturally Social, The House Keeping Company, Kennet Sign & Display and Soinspired.

Other industries represented include health and safety, branding and print as well as the care sector.

Sound Marketing Group chose Young Melksham as its charity of the year in 2019, installing a new audio system into the youth club as well as decorating one of its social rooms.

Tracy Hanman, Director at Embroidery UK, also took part in a 24-hour fitness marathon which raised £10,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, quadruple that of their original target.

Priority IT, an IT support company based in Westbury, has raised £300 for Julian House as well as £1,300 for Alzheimer’s Support, through a popular computer refurbishment programme.

Fourteen refurbished computers and five laptops were donated directly to the charity. Swindon Dance was another beneficiary of the donated IT equipment, with a value of £1,110.

Telecommunications member, TalkWire, raised over £300 in 2019 for five different charities and Go Dog Photography raised £210 for Bath Cats and Dogs home as well as the Royal United Hospital.

Social media agency, Naturally Social, ran numerous free workshops for charities and supported them with social media guidance. Kathryn Roynon, from HR & Training Consultancy, ran Bath Half Marathon and raised £556 for Pound Arts Trust’s 10th anniversary fund. She was supported by many BGG members who sponsored her.

At the end of each Friday meeting, there is an opportunity for an eight-minute talk from either a member or a local charity, the perfect opportunity for charities who wish to connect with the local business community.

BGG is looking to recruit new members. To get in touch go to www.businessgrowthgroup.co.uk.