Cash secured for dance school through council’s ‘social value initiative’

Lichfield District Council’s drive to get community value from its contracts with suppliers has seen a city dance school secure sponsorship from the company demolishing the Birmingham Road multi storey car park.

Cawarden donated £500 to Elite Academy of Performing Arts which it used to pay for hoodies for its dancers to wear while representing Team England in the recent Global Dance Open competition in Holland and to help cover the dancers’ registration fees.

The money was donated through Lichfield District Council’s Social Value initiative which aims to see residents benefit directly from its procurement spend. 

The initiative ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services and works, that pound will also produce wider social, economic, or environmental benefits for the community.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning, said: “I’d like to thank Cawarden for making this generous donation. It helped local dancers to participate in international competition where they enjoyed considerable success. 

“There are many fantastic suppliers that are keen to help improve residents’ lives through social value, and many ways that they can make a contribution.

“The donation from Cawarden is a great example of social value in action, benefitting young people from across the district.”

Oliver Crooks, commercial director at Cawarden said: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to support Elite Academy by funding the local dance team's clothing for an international competition. 

“This sponsorship has allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to community engagement and exemplifies our dedication to the development and success of local youth.”

Dancers from Elite Academy of Performing Arts did brilliantly at the competition with all of them returning home with at least one gold medal.

Twenty-one dances were taken to the finals with Elite dancers placed in the top five in 14 of them.

 Donna Wilcox, Principal at Elite Academy of Performing Arts, said: “We’re really proud of the team that went to the Netherlands and the results are testament to all their hard work, but we couldn't have participated without the support of our sponsors.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Cawarden for its sponsorship, which not only paid for the team's kit but also towards the dancers fees. The team truly appreciates their support.”