Bank forges new relationship with sustainability charity

Solihull-headquartered Paragon Banking Group has formed a new relationship with sustainability-focused charity ecobirmingham, with volunteers supporting a range of communal gardening projects.

Based in Northfield, ecobirmingham delivers grassroots activities, events and programmes across a range of sustainability-focused areas in the city, including transport, food, education, waste, water, arts engagement and energy. ecobirmingham’s vision is underpinned by the idea that volunteering enhances social inclusion and good relation. 

So far, 25 Paragon employees have spent ‘Ditch the Desk’ days at a communal garden project in Northfield, helping to improve the garden for the benefit of the local community. A further group is due to visit the site in August, where they will also be able to take their children to join in with the volunteering work. 

Paragon is a proud supporter of local charities, including long-standing relationships with St Basils, Canal & River Trust, Bedworth Community Grocery Store and SIFA Fireside. Paragon has also hosted on-site volunteering sessions at its Solihull and Southampton offices.

Paragon’s number of volunteer days for the year to the end of September 2023 totalled 469, compared to 286 in 2022 and a ten-fold increase in volunteering commitments in just two years.

Deborah Bateman, director of External Relations and Sustainability Committee Chair at Paragon Bank, commented on the Group’s commitment to local communities: “Paragon is committed to doing the right things, from being a good neighbour in our community, to reducing our impact on the environment and helping our customers to do the same. These actions - where we can make a real difference - form our sustainability strategy.

“Volunteering is a key part of our strategy and year after year, we see our people step up with incredible volunteering efforts to support the communities in which we live and work. We are continuing this by partnering with ecobirmingham, which gives people the tools to take positive environmental action and help others to do the same.”

Kamaljit Bola, head of Programmes at ecobirmingham, expressed gratitude for Paragon’s contribution: “Paragon volunteers at ecobirmingham are passionate about the environment and dedicated to creating a sustainable future. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspire our community, promoting environmental stewardship and positive change.

“By utilising their research abilities and individual perspectives on sustainability, we are able to raise greater awareness and encourage sustainable living practices throughout Birmingham.”