Brackmills charity partnerships deliver real results for Northamptonshire communities

Brackmills BID has launched a new multi-charity partnership model, with five Northamptonshire causes already benefiting from funding and direct business support.

The BID has replaced its traditional single Charity of the Year approach with a broader initiative that allows member businesses to nominate charities important to them. As a result, MNDA Northamptonshire, The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, Creating Tomorrow Trust, Northampton Supports Ukraine Appeal and a new Brackmills food bank established with Northamptonshire Police have been selected.

The move is designed to provide more than financial backing. Brackmills BID is integrating charity partners into estate events, connecting them with businesses and helping them raise awareness among the 180 companies and 18,000 employees based at Brackmills Industrial Estate.

Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID, says the approach is already proving effective. “We made a commitment to offer more than just money. Our charity partners are attending events, meeting members and building meaningful connections. We’re seeing the difference that makes across Northamptonshire.”

For MNDA Northamptonshire, the support has enabled the charity to expand its monthly lunch for people living with motor neurone disease and their carers. The branch fully funds the lunches and covers adapted wheelchair transport, allowing more families to attend.

Jan Warren, chair of MNDA Northamptonshire, says the funding has widened access. “For many of our friends, it’s one of their only days out. The additional support means more people can join us and feel supported by others who understand.”

Meanwhile, the new Brackmills food bank has already provided emergency assistance. On Christmas Eve 2025, when other food banks were closed, it worked with the local policing team to deliver essential supplies to an individual in need.

Charlotte Patrick, vice chair of Brackmills BID, says the early results highlight the value of collaboration. “Whether it’s funding monthly lunches, providing emergency food or connecting charities with thousands of employees on the estate, we’re seeing real impact.”

Located just off junction 15 of the M1, Brackmills Industrial Estate has held BID status for 16 years, with levy-paying businesses funding improvements in safety, infrastructure and sustainability. The expanded charity model adds community impact to that collective effort.