KPMG Glasgow team takes healthy approach to fundraising

Scores of Glasgow staff took part in the Health Day fundraising event as part of KPMG’s commitment to promoting greater social mobility in Scotland.

Employees could choose from a range of healthy activities including a dawn hill walk in the Campsie Fells, running, swimming, netball, spinning and a lunchtime keep fit class with KPMG manager Gerri Whitehall – the Glasgow office’s very own Davina McCall.

Staff were also encouraged to swap their morning shot of caffeine for fibre-filled fruit smoothies while Sheena Armour, senior manager in KPMG’s audit team, held a tai chi session for executives seeking to unwind including Craig Anderson, regional chairman for Scotland.

Phil Charles, senior partner for KPMG Glasgow’s offices, was among the superfit team who met at 5.50amto tackle Dumgoyne, one of the most best known landmarks in the Campsie Fells, before reporting at the Glasgow office for 8.30am. The volcanic plug is 427-metres (1,402ft).

KPMG announced its partnership with The Prince’s Trust in November 2014. The accountancy firm is well on its way meeting its target of raising between £80-100k within two years.

The Prince’s Trust supports 13 to 30 year-olds who may be unemployed, struggling at school or at risk of exclusion. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

Phil Charles, Senior Partner for KPMG in Glasgow said: “I’m extremely proud of all of the Glasgow staff who took part in the office Health Day to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust.

“It is wrong that a person’s social or economic background should have a direct impact on them achieving their full potential. At KPMG, we want to help people and businesses overcome these obstacles and flourish.

“The Prince’s Trust has a comprehensive range of programmes to support social mobility. These range from helping people get back on their feet to supporting individuals into careers, showing them what skills employers find attractive. The Trust also promotes entrepreneurship, for example through seed funding small owner-managed businesses. It’s a perfect fit with KPMG’s ambitions to support those who aspire to success.”

Alan Watt, director of The Prince’s Trust in Scotland, said: “A massive thank you KPMG’s Glasgow staff for swapping their day jobs to plan and take part in the office Health Day. Their contribution will benefit young people across Scotland.

“As a youth charity, support from partners like KPMG helps us continue to support society’s most vulnerable young people, giving them the confidence and skills they need to get into work, education or start a business.”