Community
We are long-term responsible custodians of thriving destinations across the West End. Our aim is to build long-term relationships with community stakeholders that maximise the value generated from our own resources and influence.
We contribute to a range of causes with a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for local young people, homelessness, and food hardship. Our destinations are integral to our local communities, providing a catalyst for long-term economic benefits. Aside from cash donations, we contribute space in the form of reduced rent and our employees' time through volunteering activities with local organisations.
In 2023, the value of our contributions totalled more than £1.3 million. More detail can be found on page 89 of our 2023 Annual Report, which can be found here.
We identify and respond to the needs of the local communities in Westminster and Camden and work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders. We encourage our people to participate in volunteering activities during working hours and provide financial support to the charities that they work with.
We recognise it is important to engage with local communities and regulatory bodies, our customers and staff, and other interested parties so that their views and opinions inform the development of our business.
Our approach is set out in more detail in our Community Policy.
Community Engagement Highlights
Shaftesbury Capital supports a wide range of projects, some of which are highlighted below:
- Partnerships with Young Westminster and Young Camden Foundation, supporting their Brighter Futures Fund and Heads Up Mental Health Fund respectively
- Providing financial assistance to programmes delivered by St. Mungo’s and Single Homeless Project that support people who are homeless
- Support for our third scholar from the University of Westminster, committing to continuing to fund fees and a bursary for an undergraduate student studying Real Estate
- Support for local community groups and events such as the London Chinese Community Centre, Covent Garden Community Centre and Soho Food Feast
- Local arts support, funding educational programmes at The Donmar Warehouse and Go Live Theatre Projects
- Supporting food insecurity services delivered by the North Paddington Food Bank and The Abbey Centre
- Support for ex-service personnel including through Armistice Day commemoration and Blind Veterans UK