Anglian Water has been working with Business in the Community’s (BITC) National Business Response Network since the start of the pandemic. The network acts as a portal and matching service that enables charities and communities to highlight their most urgent needs and for businesses to step forward and support them. In the UK this has delivered 4000 successful matches.
Peter Simpson, Anglian Water Chief Executive, chairs BITC's Regional Leadership Board, and has been a strong advocate for the initiative. In the east we have seen businesses stepping forward, through the network to provide IT equipment to support young people gain access to online learning, foodbanks with much needed stock, as well as temporary accommodation and clothing for the homeless. Additionally, the network provides creative support to keep isolated groups connected or craft packs to inspire parents and children during lockdown. Anglian Water recently donated a van to the Ferry Project in Wisbech, who collect and deliver food donations to people who are homeless or in need.
Although there is a great deal to feel optimistic about as we recover from the pandemic, it’s impact will be wide reaching and long lasting. There is still a need for support, and this is where we ask for your help in promoting this service to charities and businesses in our communities through your channels.
We ask that charities and community groups let us know their needs by logging them on the website. The top three requests for help are still food, clothing / toiletries and technology but we ask businesses to check the NBRN website regularly and make offers of support where they can.
By working together we can help the communities in the east of England get through the toughest test in many years.