Inspired by the recent World Kindness Day, we would like to introduce Clare Raby, our Sub-contractor Support & Social Value co-ordinator. Clare started with B&A Group in 2016 after the death of her husband. Initially working in a temporary role, Clare now works across various teams within the group and is heavily involved in the Charity and Community work that B&A Group support.
In her role as Social Value Co-ordinator, Clare goes above and beyond to support many local charities, community groups, businesses and organisations on behalf of B&A Group, as well as being instrumental in helping B&A Group achieve our goal of raising £100k for Meningitis Now.
Clare has been our key Co-ordinator for numerous events we have taken part in as a company to help reach this goal. These include The Bristol Half Marathon, Bath Freshers week, The Seven Peaks Challenge, Global MSC Securities Gala Dinner, The Berkely Show, The South Glos Show and many more. Clare also organises lots of internal fundraisers such as raffles, pop up cafes and tombolas and is always coming up with innovative ways in which we can reach our target.
Clare also supports our B&A Balloon team and our fabulous pilot Rob Clements at several ballooning events throughout the year including Longleat Ski Safari, Bristol Balloon Fiesta and The West Midlands Air Show, all to help promote the work of Meningitis Now. We are currently at a staggering total of £87k with a focus on raising funds for the current ground-breaking vaccine project taking place in the University of Bristol’s Spencer Dayman laboratory.
At B&A Group, we have a long tradition of supporting local charities and community groups. As an established business in the South West we are very proud to give back to the local community and provide support to charities and their efforts wherever we can. We do this in many ways including through sponsorship of local clubs like Hallen AFC, St Bernadettes RFC Juniors, rotary clubs etc. We have contributed to the refurbishment of Village Halls, provided donations to local groups and events and have also put competitions together for local schools.
When asked what the most rewarding thing is about the Charity work that B&A Group are involved in Clare said: “Knowing it makes a difference whether it be big (Meningitis Now £100K) or small 12 Tonnes of Topsoil to refurbish Hallen Village Greens war memorial. Being involved makes a difference”.
When asked what Clare enjoys most about working at B&A Group, she said “The People, there is a great family feel and every day is different, it is a fabulous place to work”.
Outside of work Clare enjoys spending her time by the sea and loves boats. From sailing her 40ft cruising yacht Tristan da Cunha to her current interest in vintage lifeboats. Clare told us that “Being afloat is a very special feeling, the ocean is a great leveller, a place just to be oneself and to relax”.
Clare also has a passion for photography and gardening, although time restraints do restrict her ambitions!
