Partnerships

“I attended BVGS in the sixties and seventies and enjoyed my time there enormously, feeling proud to be part of such a well-respected school. Bishop Vesey’s gave me a tremendous grounding, both academically and in sport, which undoubtedly helped to prepare me for my career and life ahead. I have kept in touch with the school over the years, by attending OVA dinners and other events and became a Friend of the Vesey Community, by supporting fund raising projects, including the STEM Block appeal. In the last few years I have developed a healthy business partnership with BVGS, by supplying print and furniture, and also by being the main sponsor the Golf Day. This partnership arrangement works well, as it helps the school to raise additional funds for sporting requirements and also provides networking and business opportunities with other sponsors and Friends of the school. We have already benefited from business secured via the advertising of the Golf Day, both from parents and other sponsors. This included orders specifically relevant to the Golf Day itself, via initial introductions made by the event organiser, Brian Davies and also further sales resulting from meeting these and other people at the event. Whilst we were very happy to support the school anyway, having the opportunity to make a return on our sponsorship investment is an added incentive, and part of the partnership spirit. I would certainly encourage other local businesses to engage with the school, which plays a significant role in the local community, by forming similar partnerships, to mutually benefit both parties. The development work that is currently being undertaken to galvanise Bishop Vesey’s relationship with the wider business community, will gradually create opportunities to expand companies’ CSR and trading activities within this network. Schools are no longer simply academic centres of excellence – they are run as businesses, and need to work in partnership with other businesses, in order to prosper. I am confident that Bishop Vesey’s plans to grow this area of shared enterprise will become a successful aspect of its strategic plans in the future.” Clive Poole (OV1971)