Social / Portfolio: Society and communities
Society and communities in the portfolio
Supporting charitable initiatives contributes to social progress and helps foster engagement, purpose and value alignment for employees. Across our portfolio, many companies have developed philanthropic programmes that reflect their unique missions and cultures – ranging from global partnerships to grassroots, employee-led initiatives. By supporting causes that matter to their people and stakeholders, our portfolio companies are making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
Highlights of community impact
Image: North Sails
North Sails:
Advocating for ocean health and access
North Sails, a leading marine action sports brand, is advancing its Ocean Positive journey through strategic partnerships that extend beyond product innovation. By aligning with leading environmental and educational organisations, North Sails supports ocean conservation, empowers young advocates and promotes greater inclusivity in sailing.
Collaborations with groups such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Worldrise and the Tara Ocean Foundation help protect endangered species, foster the next generation of environmental stewards, and support vital scientific research on climate change and marine ecosystems. In 2024, 66 North Sails employees participated in a beach clean-up and biodiversity education session in Genova with Worldrise, and employees also volunteered with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to remove invasive plant species, participate in a beach clean-up, and plant 464 trees on Kauwau Island, New Zealand. These initiatives reflect North Sails’ belief that healthy oceans are essential not only for the sport’s future, but for a more sustainable world – demonstrating how business can be a force for environmental progress and social impact.
TechInsights:
Supporting mental health and digital inclusion
TechInsights has a longstanding commitment to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, supporting projects that contribute to patient care, family support, infrastructure, and mental health research. As the title sponsor of The Royal's Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast, TechInsights unites community and business leaders to raise awareness and generate funds for mental health initiatives, helping the one in four individuals affected by mental illness.
Additionally, TechInsights empowers youth by donating computers to the SWAG (Students Will All Graduate) program, assisting students without home access to technology in completing high school. Together, TechInsights is making a substantial impact on the community's well-being and future success.
These efforts reflect TechInsights' strategic priority of wellness and its focus on community enrichment through education and skills development.
Phenna Group:
Supporting causes that matter to employees
Phenna Group (Phenna) empowers its people to support the causes closest to them through a company-wide charity matching programme launched in 2022.
In 2024, Phenna donated a total of £100,000 to charitable causes. These contributions included over £60,000 matched in employee-led fundraising, supporting nearly 60 individual efforts for over 40 charitable organisations. Since inception, the initiative has matched more than £300,000 to charities including the Macmillan Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Society, MS Society, Dementia UK and Epilepsy Society, as well as a wide selection of local organisations.
Taking this approach, Phenna enables employees to make an impact in their own communities for the causes most important to them while fostering a culture of care and connection.