In partnership with our sister firm, Unicorn Jobs, and alongside Brunswick and the University of East London, we have created a ten-week training programme for talented graduates from a BME background to encourage greater diversity in corporate communications. The first of these was run in 2008 and another programme is currently being put together for 2009 on which we plan to double the number of participants. All Taylor Bennett staff are involved in the training programme, which includes weekly sessions taught in our offices on developing employability, many consultants providing workshops, for example, on practical skills.
We make regular charitable cash donations to an array of organisations, but with a particular focus on PiggyBankKids. Annita Bennett is a member of the Maggie's Cancer Care Appeal committee and so in our current financial year we are choosing also to provide our support to this worthy cause.
Taylor Bennett employees are also encouraged to take part in philanthropic enterprise, and given time off to do so. For example, we have seconded one of our employees to work directly with the CEO of the charity Tomorrow's People, with a view to raise the organisation's profile and help it achieve its aim of getting the long term unemployed back into gainful employment. Heather McGregor is a Trustee of Career Academies UK and Taylor Bennett provides mentors and work placements for students on a Career Academy programme.
Where possible, Taylor Bennett recycles paper and buys reusable, refillable and recycled products. We promote public transport, cycling or walking as the preferred form of transport for staff and choose suppliers, where possible, who help to address environmental isses such as Aquaid (water suppliers) and Climate Cars (eco-friendly car service).