TFT was founded on the principles of education, opportunity, sustainability, community support, integration and aspiration – and these values remain at the core of everything we do!
TFT is B Corp Certified – find out more about B Corp and what it means for us, here: https://www.tftconsultants.com/b-corp/
We aspire to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, and our people work to do the right thing for our business, the clients who rely on our advice, and the communities we support.
Our culture is supportive and progressive, enabling all our team to feel comfortable being themselves and thriving at work. A big part of this is enabling everyone to take the time to volunteer and support causes they are passionate about, as teams and individuals, each year.
Now, one year in to our journey, we are publishing TFT’s first ever B Impact Report. This is our snapshot of 2023 from the perspective of the five B Corp impact pillars: Employees, Environment, Community, Customers and Governance.
Last year we celebrated our 50th birthday with two big announcements: we established TFT’s Employee Ownership Trust and we launched our in-house training and development platform to keep our team ahead of ever-advancing industry best practice.
But there has been so much more going on!
We continued to drive decarbonisation across the built environment with all our services. We aligned all our offices to rigorous environmental standards. We welcomed more graduate and placement roles into our team than ever before. We became B Corp advocates with one-to-one support for clients and industry peers, as well as joining industry debate on certification and what it all means. We campaigned for better policies from government to support Net Zero Carbon goals. Our team published industry guidance for Whole Life Carbon management across the building lifecycle. And we supported national and local charities with our time, resources and financial support.
All of these achievements, and more, are steps on our sustainable growth journey. We look forward to more progress still to come, and hope you’ll join us along the way!
Check out our full report via the link below.
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TFT charity spotlight: 1625 Independent People
Support for our local communities and charitable causes is central to TFT life, and has been throughout our 50 years! Each of our offices has strong local charity partnerships, so we can use our Volunteer Days, our skills and our resources to help many causes close to our hearts.
One of the longest relationships we have is with the Bristol-based charity 1625 Independent People (1625ip). They help vulnerable young people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire with housing, personal support, training and employment to overcome a hard start to life and gain a better footing for their future.
Through some 15 years, the TFT team has worked with 1625ip to raise money, share equipment and resources to set young people up for success. Today, the charity’s services help more than 1000 users at any one time!
Kingsley Hall
A major challenge for 1625ip is to refurbish Kingsley Hall, its Grade 2* Listed site in Bristol’s Old Market conservation area. It needs to turn this heritage building into a sustainable, long term and beneficial place for young homeless people to turn to, to overcome isolation, develop their skills and rebuild their lives.
The project will create:
Great spaces for young people to meet and receive training
Not only has the charity grown, but it offers new support as the world changes. 1625 Independent People is 40 this year, and in the beginning its focus was on those who struggled with alcohol and drug use. Today the charity has a wider remit covering mental health, diet and neurodiversity challenges across society, which present major barriers for young people to progress.
So the support we can give through our time and our resources can benefit more people in the Bristol and South Gloucester area today than ever before.
As both 1625 Independent People and TFT look forward to celebrating major milestone birthdays this year, we can’t wait to keep working together for many years to come.
If spending a night under the stars isn’t your thing, fear not. You don’t need to bring a sleeping bag to enjoy the festival they’re putting on in the heart of Bristol. There will be live music, tasty food and a chance to meet the young people who benefit from 1625IP’s amazing services.
On Thursday 2nd March 2023, the TFT team took part in the LandAid SleepOut, raising money to help end youth homelessness.
The SleepOut is a regular fixture in our calendars, in which we sign up to spend the night sleeping (or trying to sleep) outside, getting an insight to the conditions which many homeless people have no choice but to endure. This year was as challenging and rewarding as ever!
Thank you to the 13 people who took on the challenge: Jack Holland, Aditi Kumar, James Williams, Paul Skennerton, Marc Hill, Jay Ridings, Chris Keates Lewis, Gareth Barry, Robin Holme, Lisa Gunn, Denitsa Cherneva, Michael Wheeler and Dan Henn, who slept out at LandAid venues and at home around the country.
And this year had a twist, as LandAid challenged us to craft our own SleepOut ‘bed’ with just a sheet of cardboard! Deni Cherneva was up for the challenge, using her design skills to score second place, with a cosy bedroom setup…apart from the draughts!
Most importantly, our one night in the cold helped LandAid raise more than £4,000 towards their total, which is now approaching £600,000! So a little bit of discomfort goes a long way to providing shelter for thousands of young people who would otherwise face the elements year-round.
Following the SleepOut, our team members had a lot to say about their experience, here are some of the thoughts they shared:
“It was exceedingly cold, and even more noisy. Sleeping alongside 432 others, makes you aware of how many people snore (about 80%) and the different tunes they play! 😊 So worthwhile – apparently best part of £600k raised from all locations! TFT were runners up in the best bedding design – well done Deni with her amazing talents. We were beaten by The Royal Household who created a Windsor Castle lookalike – very impressive.”
– Chris Keates Lewis, HR & Operations Partner
“It was how I imagined it would sound being part of an invading Viking army. Funny the things you think of when sleeping out! Well done everyone, great effort!”
– Jay Ridings, Partner
“A massive thank you to the staff who put in the hours to make it happen, and much respect to the charities who do the important work with the money we raise. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress on the refurbishment works for Kingsley Hall, which 1625 Independent Bristol are undertaking with the funds raised by our Bristol sleepers!”
– Paul Skennerton, Head of Communications
A huge well done to everyone who took part and a massive thank you to everyone who supported us by donating.
TFT begins its 50th year in business with exciting news for our future: we are now B Corp certified!
As TFT’s impact on the world has grown with the size of our business and the scale of our client services, we are determined that our future growth continues to be positive and sustainable. B Corp certification enables us to do just that, by recognising the highest standards of social and environmental performance and aligning our ongoing efforts with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Our first impact assessment gave TFT a B Impact score of 112.6, exceeding the 80-point certification threshold and more than doubling the median score for businesses taking the assessment (50.9). We were recognised for delivering positive impacts supporting workers, clients, communities and the environment across our business.
Our approach to commercial real estate and construction consultancy was an important part of certification. We help clients maximise the value and resilience of their buildings, and with integrated decarbonisation support, we enable them to reduce embodied and emitted carbon risks across the whole building lifecycle.
Our ethical business practices were also recognised, including our focus on team wellbeing, development & reward; charitable engagement; environmental policies; professional leadership and a business structure which is legally committed to benefit a wider set of stakeholders than those with financial interests alone.
“We are delighted to have achieved B Corp certification at the start of our 50th year in business. As we look to our future, it’s only right to embark on a programme of improvement and seek wider benefits for our professional and local communities, as well as our environment.
“The certification recognises the value and impact of the advice we offer to clients to improve their buildings, as well as the emphasis we place on growing our business as a force for good.
“B Corp certification is about much more than winning a badge; it represents an ongoing commitment to improve. We’re now part of a global community of ambitious organisations, with whom we will work to advance our own standards.”
Alistair Allison, Managing Partner at TFT
TFT joins a global movement of over 6,000 companies meeting B Corp standards, and we’re excited to embark on the next step in our journey committed to continual development alongside these sustainable businesses.
Many of the principles underlying B Corp already play an important role in TFT’s ongoing environmental strategy, supporting decarbonisation in the real estate and construction sector.
As part of our plan for continuous improvement, we are verifying our science-based carbon reduction target and action plan, with The Science Based Targets Institute.
On an industry-wide scale, we are active in furthering the standard of sustainability across construction and real estate. This year, we are supporting key initiatives including the British Property Federation’s upcoming net-zero carbon policy recommendations for the UK Government. We are also part of the cross-industry effort to launch a pioneering Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, on top of ongoing advocacy and leadership as part of the RICS, UKGBC, and as a Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) delivery partner.
To maintain B Corp status, companies must be reappraised every three years, demonstrating continuous improvement and accountability against the B Corp standards which are kept updated by expert input. TFT will be working closely with the B Corp assessment process to ensure the business builds on the significant achievements already made, as well as exploring new areas for growth and development.
TFT’s first impact report, reflecting on our first year of progress as a B Corp, will be published in January 2024.
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Celebrating Pride 2022: sharing and seeing
As June rolls around, and we recover from the shock of being half-way through the year already, it’s time to look forward to a month of Pride festivities with LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
The bright rainbow colours mark a history of hard-fought rights and acceptance, coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It’s an important time for organisations of all shapes and sizes to reflect on how we create a more open and welcoming world.
For the real estate industry, institutions like the RICS have a major part to play. On Wednesday June 8th, the RICS Pride 2022 event discusses the importance of visible role models and asks what more can be done to create an equal and inclusive profession for LGBTQ+ professionals.
Ahead of that, we caught up with Neil Gilbert and Greg Curtis in our team to hear about their journeys to being out at work, and their views on what works and what could still be improved across our industry to support those who aren’t yet able to be fully themselves in the workplace.
On limiting beliefs when coming out:
Neil Gilbert, Partner, Bristol:
My journey out at work was self-delayed: I told myself I must get Chartered first! I thought I needed to prove myself with hard work and professional merit before I would be seen as more than my sexuality in a straight-male-dominated environment.
Of course, when the big moment came there was no issue – only apologies from the team! That was in the 1990s, and the industry feels a world apart today. Nonetheless, I know many professionals (new joiners and old-timers alike) still feel anxious about being themselves, and I worry for those who struggle to be fully honest about their lives while at work.
Greg Curtis, Associate Director, Birmingham:
I haven’t always been out at work – in your early 20s there is a lot going on in your head and you can find that you’re unsure of yourself or what you really want. But I knew that I wanted to be authentic and not fabricate a life outside of work for my colleagues.
Looking back, I also realise it was important to give those around me the opportunity to see the real me and, likewise, to give the opportunity for others to show how kind and supportive they are. Genuinely, most people will be. If you’re not being honest, people can tell and they might not be open and honest back, which affects the relationships you build. Before I came out at work, I wasn’t 100% relaxed and comfortable in my own skin and this likely affected my confidence to perform to my best.
On visibility:
Greg:
Giving a platform for role models is a great way to encourage diversity across our industry. It was one of the things that attracted me to TFT in the first place, seeing the visibility of LGBTQ+ people and allies in the business, including FreeHold Co-Founder David Mann.
Those were signs to me about the company’s approach to business and part of its personality, and a few years in I’m glad to say it’s still somewhere I feel totally comfortable to work!
Neil:
Coming out at work is one thing, it’s another to make your ‘whole self’ more visible at work. I am a big advocate for everyone to bring personality into their working relationships over time, bit by bit.
As I’ve done so through the years, my work became more meaningful and my relationships much stronger. Contacts become clients, and even great friends. I don’t think that would be the case if I had held myself back.
On the role of networking:
Greg:
For the industry as a whole, I definitely want to see a more diverse networking scene. This could extend to a greater connection between all parts of the industry, professional services, construction and trades people, and not as separate entities. This should also be integrated with greater cooperation with BAME networking groups, Women in Property, or generally, any ally networks.
Neil:
Networks are important, and they don’t always have to be LGBTQ+ forums. To those struggling to be themselves at work, it can help to attend any upcoming networking event where you can make an introduction to some new people in a different way. Mention your partner, a date, how you’ll celebrate Pride, or something else altogether. You might be surprised at the response you get – or lack thereof! It can help empower you to open up a little more when you’re back among colleagues and clients.
If you’re looking for a supportive LGBTQ+ network, FreeHold was founded as the first networking forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender professionals working within the real estate sector. Since its official launch in September 2011 by TFT’s David Mann and Saleem Fazal from Taylor Wessing, the group has grown to over 1000 members and continues to expand.
This year, you’ll find FreeHold at a number of events hosted by a range of property companies and industry bodies. Stay up to date with their news on their website and Twitter feed.
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Mark on a Mission: LEJOG for The Bike Network
Mark Fenwick, Associate Director based in our London office is a very keen cyclist. Mark takes part in various fundraising events and is always looking for new ways to give back to the community. In just a few weeks Mark will be cycling the entire length of the country: from Land’s End to John O’Groats, with five other riders raising money for The Bike Network.
That’s a whopping 900 miles, 8 days of cycling and one very sore Mark.
Donate here at the team’s fundraising page and help them reach their goal!
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer. Cycling changed my life.
After my treatment had finished, I had 3 months to wait before my final operation to remove the tumour. I was overweight and wanted to do everything I could to help improve my chances of a successful operation and speedy recovery.
I had no clue what would happen after buying that used bike off eBay. Since buying that bike, it has truly changed my life; I am fitter, healthier, and stronger than before cancer. I have rode thousands of miles, completed an ultra-marathon and the Royal Marines triathlon whilst raising in excess of £15,000 for charity.
I have created The Bike Network in the hope others can experience the same benefits I have.
Adam Froggatt, Founder
Some of the LEJOG team enjoying lunch during training
Training has been a slow burner since the start of the year but in the last month I’ve begun to consistently get hours on the bike and time in the gym too. I’m now at the same fitness levels as my peak last year. So, I’m calmly comfortable that I will be ready come April.
No amount of training can prepare you for the huge physical and mental task at hand. But a good level of base fitness and a ‘never say die’ attitude – I hope – will see me through to the end.
I’m really looking forward to each moment we break through a county. It’s going to feel surreal to work our way through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Lancashire, to name a few!
Mark Fenwick on how he is preparing for LEJOG
Their journey begins on 19 April, keep an eye on our socials for LEJOG updates and more!
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It’s time to talk, with Mind and LionHeart
Thursday 3rd February is Time to Talk Day, a joint mental health initiative by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op.
It’s all about encouraging people to talk about mental health with family, friends or colleagues and to focus on the different ways in which we can support those around us. To mark Time to Talk Day, LionHeart is running two free, friendly webinars over lunchtime, for RICS members to learn more about mental health awareness and the counselling services that LionHeart offers.
What’s LionHeart? LionHeart is a charity for helping RICS members and their families in any way possible, from money worries to taking care of your mental health. Its aim is to be there for its members whenever life throws them a curve ball, from graduates studying for APC tests all the way through to retirement.
TFT promotes these services for all our team and supports those who need further support in their career or with taking on the challenges that life presents us all. We’re all different, and our support is tailored to suit.
Make a note of these webinars coming up this week:
Introduction to Mental Health Awareness – 3rd February 11:00 to 11:45
An introduction to mental health – and why it should be on everyone’s radar.
Time to Talk: Counselling – 3rd February 13:15 to 13:45
It’s Time to Talk Counselling! Join the LionHeart team who will answer all your questions about counselling and talking therapies so you can find out more about one of our most requested services.
Click here to bookand read about their other events throughout the year.
Click here to find out more about Time to Talk Day.
Finding a way to speak about mental health can feel daunting, but LionHeart has some tips on starting the conversation:
Reach out to a friend, ask them how they’re doing
Call someone you’ve not spoken to for a while
Perform a random act of kindness for someone
Give thanks to someone who has done something for you
Go for a walk with someone and check in on how they’re doing
Make someone a cup of tea and have a chat while you drink
“Mental health really is a subject that affects each and every one of us – even if we like to think it doesn’t. We’d encourage members of the surveying profession to find time to join the conversations on Time to Talk Day.” – Jo Grant, LionHeart Training and Wellbeing Projects Manager.
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Best feet forward! Team TFT takes on LandAid’s Steptober challenge
With raincoats at the ready and best socks on, TFT begins Steptober 2021 today to help raise valuable funds for LandAid, to help end youth homelessness.
28 strollers, hikers, joggers and amblers are taking to the challenge with seven teams around the country. And we’re in good company, joining over 1000 fellow property professionals on the march for a great cause.
If you’re new to Steptober: during the month of October from the 1st to the 15th LandAid challenges those in the property industry to come together in teams of four and take the most steps over the course of two weeks to raise money for the charity, which is set up to tackle youth homelessness in the UK.
If you would like to show your support, please consider donating what you can, and send a message to the teams via their JustGiving pages (linked in the team names below)!
TFT M&E Associate completes charity fundraiser Tour de Cornwall with ex-footballers
Top left – Mark at Land’s End on Day 1 of the ‘Tour’
Mark Fenwick, one of TFT’s keen cyclists, has just completed the Tour de Cornwall: 190 miles and 16,000 ft of climbing over three days across Cornwall to raise money for umbrella charity 11 Foundation. The charity ‘curate unique collaborations to provide support and funding to established charities to help enable health related initiatives, community led environment schemes and the provision of opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable people’ (www.11foundation.co.uk).
Former Chelsea and England footballer Joe Cole, who set up 11 Foundation with his wife Carly, joined the group of property professionals for the ride along with former teammates Wayne Bridge and Steve Sidwell. To keep in line with COVID-19 measures, riders had their temperatures checked before they set off each day and anyone with symptoms was pulled out of the event.
Upon completion, Mark said:
It was always going to be a challenge, however the certainly training paid off! We had fantastic weather for three days and with every climb our thoughts inevitably turned to the amazing cause we were raising money for. The rides were gruelling – even for the seasoned rider – but the entire group proudly completed the tour.
Donations from friends, family, TFT colleagues and industry peers have sponsored Mark over £2k, beating his £1750 target to help the team raise close to £50k for the charity.
This ride couldn’t have been possible without everyone’s incredibly generous donations and the support of my sponsors. We have just reached the £50,000 mark which is an amazing achievement by all.
A massive thank you to all of my colleagues at TFT for sponsoring me for this challenge!
If you’d like to show support and donate to the cause, please click here.
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TFT votes to support local causes
In January, we were happy to ring in the New Year by giving everybody at TFT an extra day of leave to help a charity of their choice. Now, we are deepening our commitment to the local communities of each office around the country, with each office voting on local charities close to their homes and hearts, to support beyond the day job.
Each of our 7 offices in the UK (Bristol, Cardiff, Guildford, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh) have chosen their two local charities in hope to give back to the communities they value the most. Typically, local charities are often in need of extra feet on the ground, so we hope this will also encourage more volunteering opportunities for each office.
While local charities benefit from personal involvement of local people, our teams will also see the impact of their contributions first hand.
We want to be part of the bigger picture, helping to improve local environments and economies. Not only do local charities employ locally, encouraging personal interactions, but they also contribute to the growth and improvement of the direct community around us. As this community around us grows, we see significant and visible results enhancing overall wellbeing (Guardian, 2014).
Chris Keates-Lewis, Head of HR, said:
“This is an exciting direction for us, bringing our offices together in a TFT global effort to improve the lives of those closest to us, and the environment in which we enjoy our lives.”
TFT will also continue to support LionHeart and LandAid as their chosen national charities.
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TFT announces additional ‘Volunteer Day’ for all staff
We believe that charitable work and volunteering is great for business. It helps attract and keep talented employees, improves our relations with communities, strengthens brand value, improves our client relations, demonstrates corporate value and builds team work and leadership skills. If done successfully, these projects and initiatives also help to expand our capacity to impact the issues most relevant to our long-term success, in a changing business environment where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.
That’s why we do fundraising campaigns, why we offer pro-bono services and why we are now providing a minimum of one additional day of leave for volunteering per year to all TFT employees, starting now.
HR & Operations Partner Chris Keates-Lewis said:
We are a socially committed business, reflected by our amazing people in their activities outside TFT and in connection with the charities that we support. We are delighted to provide each person with a paid Volunteering Day each year as part of a structured approach to CSR, starting in January 2019.
Managing Partner Alan Pemberton said:
A big part of TFT’s culture is our sense of corporate responsibility – we love to give back, and to use our collective skills and experience to do good together. I’m proud to help empower our people to do even more with their paid leave and excited to see what ideas and initiatives come through as a result.
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TFT Bristol Take the Plunge for Local MS Therapy Centre
On Saturday 8th September, a team of five of TFT’s bravest took part in the South West of England MS Therapy centre’s ‘Take the Plunge’ challenge. This involved participants jumping into Portishead Marina just outside of Bristol, to be rescued by well-trained Newfoundlands, a dog breed who have a propensity to rescue people from water. The annual event helps to raise the necessary funds in order to provide a range of treatments and therapies for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, including physiotherapy, oxygen treatment, acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy.
TFT were gold sponsors this year and the team raised over £700 for the local charity.
Jay Ridings (Associate, Bristol). who took part in the fundraiser, recounted the memorable day:
The sprightly TFT bunch arrived nice and early in the Portishead drizzle ready for freezing cold temperatures, slobbering faces and the risk of being eaten by our would-be rescuers. The dogs were huge and excitable!! To our relief they were also very well drilled and enjoyed (loved!) saving people.
We could not have asked for a better ‘saving’. Paul Spaven’s (Partner, Bristol) rescue dog was slightly reluctant to jump in initially (some said it was his fluorescent pink gloves!?) but the dog’s trainer assured Paul that it had happened the week before and that the canine was in a “phase”. Thankfully, he was eventually saved and so is still with us. Just as well, as he will be the next trustee for MS Therapy Bristol!
We all had great fun for such a brilliant cause and I would recommend that anyone who isn’t too keen on swimming gets a Newfoundland to drag them around in relative luxury!
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‘The All Purples’ triumphant rugby victory at Hyde Park!
By Giulia Mori (Energy & Sustainability Consultant)
TFT’s own tag rugby team won Wednesday’s challenging match against multidisciplinary consultancy group Dar Al-Handasah in the TryTag property league, held at Hyde Park each week. ‘The All Purples’ worked as impressively as a team: keeping the line; checking the numbers; facing forward and running to the try line over 15 times.
Unmerciful tries left right and centre from the TFT rugby duo Sarah Gunn (Marketing) and Olly Linton(Surveyor) with an unbelievable series of tags and defence strategies from Ollie Morris (Senior Energy & Sustainability Consultant), Deni Cherneva (Senior Graphic Designer), all steered from the directions of ever-present captain James Child (Surveyor)! Sarah was awarded overall player of the match from the referee and TFT look to be in the final in 4 weeks time!
I was gutted to not be part of the action this week, but it was nonetheless a great match to watch. We are getting there, team: well done to all players and good luck in the next rounds.
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TFT at the JLL Triathlon – it was all slip slap slop before we flipped flapped and [mostly] flopped
28 degrees: so much sunscreen; no one fainted…28 degrees also meant no one beat any PBs. One punctured tyre on the way to race…Another punctured tyre during the race. 1 TFT triathlete swam into 2 safety boats. Marathon Mann [David] came out in top 30 of his [heat] wave…And not content with 13 miles alone, 1 relay cyclist cycled 22 miles to the race and 22 miles back home.
TFT strike a pose across the UK for Bowel Cancer Research
Bowel Cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. Early diagnosis leads to better survival rates. Raising awareness of this indiscriminate killer is a step towards earlier diagnosis and TFT got into the collective spirit by proudly wearing Bowel Cancer Research t-shirts across the practice for the day.
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TFT Volunteers at Woodlarks Camp, Guildford!
Every year, Sarah Gunn (pictured) from our marketing team volunteers at Woodlarks in Surrey, a fit for purpose campsite that provides camping holidays for disabled people. This year she was joined by our Senior Graphic Designer Deni Cherneva, who got the full tour of this great site that includes facilities built to cater for all; the visually-impaired, hearing-impaired and those wheelchair bound. The site is an all-inclusive place that brings outdoor experiences to those often excluded from activities such as paint-balling, water-skiing, trike rides, zorbing, laser-tag and much more. Campers stay in tents of all types and spend the week laughing and joking with each other, leaving the site feeling like they’re part of one big family.
Woodlarks hosts different a plethora of camps throughout the year, but the one the girls attended is called Trekkers and is for adults aged 30+. HR Partner Chris Keates Lewis visited mid-week and was chuffed to be introduced to the camp and all the great campers and volunteers!
If you would like to get involved with Trekkers click here, or to find out which camps are held at Woodlarks, click here!
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TFT peaked over the weekend
A mighty team of seven from TFT met the LandAid Peak2Peak challenge last weekend, covering over 50km on bike, foot and backside as we biked, hiked and canyoneered the Peak District. Two giant peaks were scaled, fitness and endurance was tested, and teamwork ensured that everyone came through.
We caught up with Chuan Lim (Guildford) and Pete Madge (Bristol) to see how they found it!
What did you enjoyed about the challenge over the weekend and what did you struggle with?
Pete: The combination of biking, hiking and gorge scrambling with the beautiful backdrop of the Peak District was an absolute pleasure, but particularly enjoyable was the banter with the rest of our Team TFT along the way and completing the challenge together.
Chuan: There was some spectacular scenery on the hike including the remains of a WW2 Halifax bomber found on the Moor, and, later on, laughing as Sarah (London) fell (stylishly, of course) into a peat bog! The gorge scrambling was rather tricky too but we were all up for the challenge and there was a pub waiting for us at the end!
I enjoyed spending time with TFT colleagues and fellow property professionals in the great outdoors- testing ourselves physically and supporting each other whilst taking in the wonderful views of the Peak District.
Why it is important to you to partake in such activities?
Pete: For me, it is really important to include ‘fun’ in fundraising, to do some team building, explore some new countryside and set yourself a bit of a goal.
Chuan: Whilst events like these are great for fundraising and are (mostly) lots of fun, it is important for TFT to be socially responsible – demonstrating our support and raising awareness of amazing charities like LandAid and their mission to end youth homelessness in the UK.
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TFT pub quiz
On Wednesday, TFT hosted a pub quiz in London for clients and friends in an effort to raise money for the LandAid Peak to Peak Challenge, in which TFT has a team participating. To take part in the challenge, each participant needs to raise a minimum of £300 for LandAid. Making Team TFT’s minimum requirement £2100!
Thanks to all those who came along and supported us, as well as those who donated to the raffle. We raised total of £708, and with TFT’s promise to match this, £1416! Thank you also to everyone at TFT for donating, we have reached our minimum target.
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David Mann runs the Paris marathon for LandAid
Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored and helped me raise more than £5,000 so far. I am going to continue fundraising until my 50th birthday on 22nd June by which time I hope to achieve my £10,000 target. Needless to say, any further help would be really appreciated. You can visit my fundraising page here.
On the walk to the start, I was resplendent in my new ‘Marathon de Paris’ T -shirt with the tag-line ‘RUNNING IS LIFE’. I would beg to differ with this sentiment at the moment!
It was a fantastic experience and Paris was so beautiful on a lovely sunny morning. Seeing 55,000 runners mustered along the Champs-Elysees at the start was quite an emotional sight – as was the queue for the toilets!
My favourite part was running along the Seine at 15 – 16 miles and I even managed to accidentally pocket phone my sister to both of our surprises but got some welcome encouragement!
Less enjoyable was the seemingly endless and monotonous pounding of my running shoes on the tarmac and cobbles. This was only equalled by the thump thump thump of the banging house music streamed from my SoundCloud App, which maintained a steady rhythm and has often been my only companion on those long cold training sessions. Today was in fact the first time I’d only worn shorts and a singlet in the last few months.
It was lovely to see so much support for all the runners – so many expectant faces waiting to see their loved ones, a friend or even a complete stranger. The Brits were particularly supportive to me. At times I forgot I had my name and GBR on my bib and wondered why so many people were shouting ‘Allez David’.
Little things make you laugh en route like someone holding up a piece of cardboard and hand written on it: ‘MOTIVATIONAL SIGN’. I was also particularly proud of my ‘Eiffel Tower hat’ selfie at 18 miles. Looking down the route at the ant-like procession, it felt a little like a less flamboyant Gay Pride march, considerably less diverse with much worse personal hygiene!
I have a slight confession to make now: my Brighton Half Marathon was the longest training run I completed! So when I reached the half way mark it felt like I was entering unknown territory. I have to admit that I was carrying a Metro ticket in my bum-bag just in case. That said, at no time did I feel like giving up and letting down everyone who has helped and supported me.
The last 8 kilometres were very painful, mainly in my hip flexors. Around me it became a bit of a ‘Ministry of Silly Walks’ as the task at hand took its toll. On a serious note, it was awful to see so many people being helped by paramedics and connected to saline drips. Victims of dehydration. It made me appreciate that you shouldn’t take on a Marathon lightly.
A huge thank you to my wonderful partner Glen for his patience during training and enthusiasm on the day. Seeing his face periodically through the crowd was a huge boost.
I finished in 04:34:41. I guess a personal best for my first and last marathon … probably!
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LandAid SleepOut
This year I joined more than 200 property professionals at LandAid’s SleepOut to raise money for their ongoing drive to end youth homelessness. We slept in freezing temperatures overnight with just some cardboard boxes and sleeping bag to experience what it is like to not have shelter every night. Supplied with tea, coffee and hot soup, the fundraisers heard speeches from four formerly homeless young people, played board games to keep distracted from the cold and networked before getting as snug as possible to battle the snow that seeped through gaps in the tin roof the Old Spitalfields Market in East London.
I must admit that I won the prize for the best ‘bed space’ for his victorious ‘Mann Cave’ that made it through the night, which was the real victory, having raised more than £150k for the charity.
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Charity Corner
David Mann, Damian Wild, Editor of Estates Gazette, and Paul Morrish, CEO of LandAid, along with a few members of their respective teams, limber up in Hyde Park. This ‘fit’ gathering helped launch David’s fundraising campaign as he prepares for the Paris Marathon on 8 April. David is running in aid of LandAid, which support projects that provide life-changing accommodation for young people facing homelessness. David Mann added:
Ahead of my 50th birthday this June, my partner Glen recently asked me what I wanted to do. “Run a Marathon,” I replied, not entirely the response he was expecting. I have done a few half marathons circa 25 years ago and have taken part in the JLL Property Triathlon and LandAid 10k in recent years but never do enough training. Whatever ‘enough’ is? LandAid’s invitation to complete one of my bucket list aspirations on their behalf was too good an opportunity to miss.
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TFT’s Triathletes
A handful of TFT (aspiring) triathletes from our Bristol, Edinburgh and London offices took part in the annual JLL Property Triathlon at Dorney Lake, Eton. The event, which has raised more than £1.7 million so far, allowed us to contribute to an additional £191,000 raised this year for Crisis UK, the national charity helping the homeless.
Participants competed in either the Triathlon (involving swimming, biking and running), Duathlon (running and biking) or the Relay where each member would compete one section of the triathlon.
The day was thoroughly enjoyable, with a friendly and relaxing environment where families and supporters could come along and contribute to a great cause with additional donations being made to the recent Grenfell Tower victims.
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TFT Charity Week for the 2017 LandAid 10k
Our colleagues in London and Guildford offices held a charity week to raise funds for LandAid in the run-up to the 2017 LandAid 10k. We held cake stalls, raffles, guessing competitions and even a sweepstake of the fastest running times! Held at Clapham Common, London, the race aims to help secure vital funds to protect young people on the streets, provide accommodation and training whilst tackling the root causes of homelessness. We raised over £500 and was well-worth the pounds gained from all the cake!
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David Mann raises £6,346 for CORAM
TFT Partner David Mann went to MIPIM the hard way – by bike. All in a good cause though as he was raising funds for Club Peloton’s main beneficiary, CORAM, the UK’s first dedicated children’s charity which today continues to pioneer new ways to help children, young people and families.
People have very generously sponsored David, raising £6346 along the way and helping to contribute towards the £550k overall figure raised. A link to the image gallery can be found here. David would like to thank all those who contributed with such big hearts. Thank you.
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TFT Bristol Partner completes epic Indian motorcycle road trip for Usha Kiran Eye Hospital
Paul Spaven has completed an epic 2,000km charity road trip around central Western India on a Birmingham-designed, Chennai-built Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle, raising money for the Usha Kiran Eye Hospital in Mysore.
Paul Spaven, commenting on his epic journey, said:
A delicate operation to restore a baby’s sight costs only £120 and, thanks to the generosity of The Rotary Foundation, it means an individual donation of merely £40 guarantees a new-born baby its sight. This is a cause close to my heart as I suffer from a congenital cataract.
Our mainly off-road trip covered over 2,000km in sweltering temperatures. It was a real privilege to work with Rotary colleagues from across the globe – Australia, Sweden, USA, New Zealand and UK – in India as we took in coffee plantations, temples, waterfalls as well as enjoying the hospitality of our Rotary hosts.
The cost of flights, bike hire, fuel, kit, accommodation and food were all paid for by Paul. Every extra pound will now go directly to charity. Please give generously by clicking here.
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TFT gets down and dirty at the LandAid Mudathon
TFT took part in the recent LandAid Mudathon in Dorking. Two teams of 5 competed in the 7k course, tackling over 100 obstacles along the way and helping to contribute to the £6000 raised overall for LandAid and Heartburn Cancer UK. More images can be found here.
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TFT gets in training for the LandAid 10K
Clearly the rigorous training paid off as highly respectable individual and team times were achieved in the recent LandAid10K run on Clapham Common.
This raises funds for LandAid, the charity which is committed to ending youth homelessness. We still have a way to go to reach our target figure. If you would like to help us meet our target, and in doing so, make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people, visit our donation page here.
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TFT enjoy a right royal day at the races
TFT joined forces with LandAid to enjoy a day at the races in celebration of HRH Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday. Arriving by boat at Windsor Racecourse set the scene for a right royal day of racing, good hospitality and amazingly, good weather. With all proceeds going to LandAid, the charity dedicated to ending youth homelessness and providing life changing support to young people at risk, this was a worthy day in support of an equally worthy cause.
We believe that charitable work and volunteering is great for business. It helps attract and keep talented employees, improves our relations with communities, strengthens brand value, improves our client relations, demonstrates corporate value and builds team work and leadership skills. If done successfully, these projects and initiatives also help to expand our capacity to impact the issues most relevant to our long-term success, in a changing business environment where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.
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