MWB Presents... Shared Value in Charity and Business Relationships

MWB Presents... Shared Value in Charity and Business Relationships

A panel discussion on purpose, impact and long-term collaboration

Unlock the Power of Partnership

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of insights, experience, and networking as Mayo Wynne Baxter (MWB) with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival hosts a special event dedicated to the art of successful charity and commercial partnerships.

Strategic alliances are vital for growth, impact, and sustainability for both charitable organisations and commercial businesses. But how do you ensure that the goals and values of your organisation align with your chosen partner? 

We will be posing questions to a panel of experts who have lived and breathed this very challenge. We will ask, what success looks like and how is it measured? How long should a partnership last in real terms? What are the benefits of partnerships between business and charity beyond the obvious?

Learn from those who have built and maintained thriving collaborations, gaining practical knowledge on how to establish, nurture, and evaluate partnerships that truly deliver for all parties involved.

Key Speakers & Panel Discussion

Hear first-hand from a diverse panel of experts who have successfully navigated the complexities of cross-sector collaborations:

Chris Goodman, The Focus Group

An entrepreneur & philanthropist, Chris co-founded Focus Group in 2003, a  Comms & IT business that now employs over 1200  staff across the UK, with annual revenues exceeding £250m a year.

More recently, he co-founded Focus Foundation, a grant-giving charitable foundation that to date has delivered funding of over  £1m in support of grass-roots charities particularly those working with underprivileged children and young people & supporting  those suffering with poor mental health.

"My two decades of leadership experience in the IT and telecoms sector have covered everything from the development of effective sales teams, cohesive people and culture strategies and robust financial analysis, together with having led and completed numerous M&A and private equity transactions - I now use this experience to support some amazing charities and budding entrepreneurs alike.”

https://focusgroup.co.uk/company/about-us/

Mike Rebiero, The Rok Skool

Mike has over 30 years experience working as a lawyer, international law, advising on disruptive technologies and innovation. He was a senior partner in a top 10 global law firm and led multinational teams across the Americas, Europe, The Middle East, Asia and Australia. He is also chairman of two national UK charities. He is the current chair of Rok School, an inclusive music school which provides students of all ages with a vibrant positive experience of tuition and participation in the musical genres they love.

https://rokskool.co.uk/pages/meet-the-team

Hansa Raja, Holding Space

Hansa Raja is the founder and CEO of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to supporting parents and carers through peer support. With over 11 years’ experience in the charity sector, including six years running her own organisation, Hansa has extensive expertise in building sustainable community programmes, engaging with stakeholders, and developing strategic partnerships.

Hansa has worked closely with businesses to create meaningful collaborations that benefit both communities and corporate social responsibility goals. Her work focuses on connecting organisations with practical opportunities to support families, improve wellbeing, and foster inclusive workplaces.

She is passionate about championing parent peer support and advocating for the voice of families in both charitable and corporate environments. Hansa’s experience spans fundraising, governance, and programme delivery, making

her insights invaluable for discussions on how businesses and charities can work together to drive social impact. 

https://www.holdingspace.org.uk/our-team

Mark Barkaway, BHAFC Foundation

Mark Barkaway is the Head of Marketing & Income Generation for the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, the official charity of Brighton & Hove Albion. As part of this role Mark oversees the team that harnesses support from corporate partners and major donors to help the Foundation deliver inclusive sports and education-based programmes across Sussex.

With over 25 years’ experience in the charity sector at both local and national level, Mark is passionate about creating meaningful, long-term impact in communities and using the power of sport to inspire positive change.

https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/about-us/about/who-we-are/

Robin Evans, Partner and head of Charity Relationships, Carpenter Box

Robin is a partner at Carpenter Box, one of the largest accountancy firms in our region, and heads the firm’s Charities and Not for Profit Group as well as having a varied range of clients in the commercial sector. 

He is a chartered accountant and in 2023 he gained the Diploma in Charity Accounting at Bayes Business School, City University. Robin deals with a broad portfolio of clients within the audit and assurance spectrum but with

a particular focus and specialism in not for profit. He is Senior Statutory Auditor for a portfolio of charity and academy school audit clients. 

Robin has a number of years’ experience as a school governor, including as Chair of Finance and Chair of Governors. He is also Chair of Trustees of Carpenter Box’s own Charitable Foundation, which was set up in 2009. The Foundation raises funds and offers grants to grass roots organisations within the areas where Carpenter Box has offices or in which its staff live. Robin is passionate about seeing our CSR offering in action, encouraging staff to be involved with their local community.

https://www.carpenterbox.com/member/robin-evans/

They will share their stories, challenges, and blueprints for success.

In Conversation With:

The session will be expertly moderated and guided by:

• Dean Orgill, Chief Executive, Mayo Wynne Baxter
• Lucy Davies, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival

What you will gain:

• Actionable Strategies: Discover proven methods for identifying the right partners and crafting mutually beneficial goals.
• Real-World Insight: Hear candid discussions on common pitfalls and how to overcome them.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of business leaders, charity professionals, and influential community figures.
• Inspiration: Leave with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to elevate your organisation's impact through partnership.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026

Time: 17:00 - 19:30

Location: Brighton Dome (Studio Theatre), New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UG

Dress Code: Smart / Casual

Don't miss out - secure your place!

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and make meaningful connections that could shape the future of your organisation. Spaces are limited, so book now to confirm your attendance.

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please contact Lorna Gietzen: lgietzen@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk