Social / Portfolio: Society and communities
Society and communities in the portfolio
Across Oakley’s portfolio, many companies support their communities through charitable giving, partnerships and employee-led initiatives that reflect their purpose, values and stakeholder relationships. Oakley believes that these activities can strengthen employee engagement and culture, while also contributing to positive social outcomes in the markets where our businesses operate. By encouraging initiatives that are authentic to each company’s mission, portfolio companies can play a practical role in supporting the communities they serve.
Community impact highlights
Steer Automotive Group:
Community funding
Steer Automotive is the UK’s leading non-discretionary collision repair business, operating a nationwide network of c.200 repair centres and working closely with major motor insurers.
In 2024, Steer launched the Steer Community Fund to support colleague-led initiatives that make a meaningful difference in local communities. The Fund provides six £250 donations four times a year, enabling colleagues to nominate causes that matter to them.
Since September 2024, the Fund has contributed £9,000 to local charities and community initiatives. In addition, colleagues raised £4,970 for Ben Automotive Charity through Ben’s Big Breakfast and Ben Christmas Jumper Day. Organisations supported through the Fund include Lives Not Knives, Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group, DEBRA, Biggar Youth Club and Hawks Rugby Club, reflecting a diverse range of charitable, community and wellbeing causes.
Dexters:
Long-term partnership with Thames Reach
Dexters, a London-based independent estate agent, has partnered with homelessness charity Thames Reach since 2013, raising c.£175,000 over the past decade through colleague fundraising, challenges and volunteering. Thames Reach is a London homelessness charity providing practical support to people sleeping on the streets and those at risk of homelessness. The partnership is designed to make it easy for colleagues to get involved, including volunteer outreach shifts, where colleagues support Thames Reach teams and help connect those in need with emergency accommodation and services, as well as sponsored fitness challenges, cake sales and raffles.
In 2025, colleagues raised £50,000 for Thames Reach, with Dexters contributing a £1,000 donation for every outreach shift completed, plus matched giving for key fundraising activities.
Alongside this long-term partnership, Dexters colleagues also have the option to use their Charity Day Off to support other local causes that are important and personal to them.