Building Bonds
Yorkshire bankers cultivate camaraderie on a corporate volunteer day.
A team of corporate volunteers traded their spreadsheets for spades this October as they helped out at Sheffield Botanical Gardens.
The group and Andrea the Head Gardener at work in the Mediterranean Garden.
Eleven members of HSBC UK’s business banking team, from across the region, gathered to clear, weed, and beautify the Gardens’ Mediterranean area. They were joined by volunteers from the Friends of the Botanical Gardens (FOBs), who shared their plant expertise, while head gardener Andrea Jones oversaw the revitalization effort.
The day was organised by Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust, the charity responsible for raising money for the gardens to help fund vital restoration and maintenance work as well as improving the gardens for its visitors, together with Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Gardens Department.
Nicola Thacker, Head of Business Banking for Yorkshire and the East Coast, highlighted how beneficial the experience was for her team. “It’s been a brilliant opportunity for us to work together outside the office, catching up and bonding. We're spread across Yorkshire, so we rarely meet face to face. Today has been a refreshing break — no laptops, just fresh air and teamwork.”
The hardworking group took a break for lunch at Joni’s, the restaurant located in the Curator’s House.
Like many companies, HSBC UK offers its employees two days annually to engage in community service as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Hattie Dungworth, a Business Specialist from HSBC UK’s Sheffield branch, was thrilled to support a project in her home city. “I visit the Gardens often with my kids, so it’s great to give back to a place I love. I even learned a lot about plants from the FOBs volunteers!”
Di Gale, another Business Specialist from HSBC Scunthorpe, appreciated the day’s opportunity for connection. “In our jobs, we don’t always meet up outside work, so this has been a wonderful chance to spend time outdoors with colleagues.”
Nicola added: “HSBC UK is really grateful to SCC and SBGT for allowing us to come and help them for the day. The Botanical Gardens are a fantastic asset to Sheffield itself and its surrounding communities.
“It was great to meet some of visitors on the day as well, some of whom say they come several times a week for some space and relaxation. We are really happy to have made our own impact in the gardens.”
Andy Phillips, Sheffield City Council Parks Manager, also lent a hand and praised the initiative. “It’s been a real success, and we’ve enjoyed hosting the HSBC UK volunteers. We hope to see more corporate groups in the Gardens. It’s fantastic for them and invaluable for us.”