Story Highlight
– Watches of Switzerland Foundation enhances structured charitable giving.
– Focuses on youth, education, and addressing disadvantages.
– Over £8.5 million donated to various charitable partners.
– Employee engagement boosts participation in philanthropy initiatives.
– Future plans prioritize skills development and community-based programs.
Full Story
Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland, recently received the King’s Trust Individual Impact Award, prompting him to reflect on his company’s philanthropic efforts and commitment to making a positive difference for young people.
The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation, established in 2021, was designed to formalise and enhance the company’s charitable activities. Prior to the Foundation’s inception, charitable contributions were significant but lacked a coordinated strategy. Duffy emphasised that the creation of the Foundation came at a time when the company felt the need for a more structured and dedicated approach to philanthropy, particularly as the business thrived during the pandemic while many communities faced hardship.
Duffy, who also chairs the Foundation, discussed how its initiatives align with the broader corporate strategy. He noted that the Foundation embodies the Group’s core values, which include long-term partnerships and measurable social impact. The organisation actively encourages employee involvement in volunteering and fundraising initiatives, fostering a generous spirit within the team. Duffy highlighted the active involvement of the Board and senior leadership to ensure that charitable efforts are aligned with the company’s sustainability and corporate responsibility objectives.
Since its establishment, the Group has committed over £8.5 million to various partners, including The King’s Trust, Trussell Trust, Crisis, FuelBank Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity. The assessment of these contributions is critical; the Foundation measures its impact by evaluating outcomes such as youth employment, family support during crises, and access to essential community services. Collaborating with partners, they collect data and case studies to ensure that their donations effectively enhance lives and address community challenges.
A poignant example Duffy shared involved young individuals connected to The King’s Trust, who faced issues of confidence and opportunity. With guidance from mentoring and employment initiatives funded by the Foundation, these young people have successfully secured stable jobs and furthered their education. Duffy noted the importance of continuous feedback from supported causes, finding inspiration in the transformative stories of those directly benefiting from the Foundation’s work.
High-profile initiatives like the Change A Girl’s Life campaign and Palace to Palace also play a vital role in raising both awareness and funds for youth programmes. According to Duffy, these campaigns shine a spotlight on the challenges facing young people and unite the company’s employees as well as partners in a common mission. They not only enhance fundraising efforts but also facilitate opportunities for team participation, which fosters a shared commitment to the cause.
Duffy himself has led colleague fundraising efforts that raised over £300,000, reinforcing the essential nature of staff engagement in promoting the Foundation’s objectives. He described strategies to encourage participation, such as supporting employee-led projects, matching donations, and ensuring activities are both meaningful and accessible. This approach cultivates a sense of shared purpose, aligning with the company’s ethos of responsible business practices.
Looking to the future, the Foundation aims to deepen its long-term partnerships and expand efforts to support young people facing various adversities. Key priorities include enhancing access to training and job opportunities, addressing issues like youth poverty and food insecurity, and bolstering early intervention activities for at-risk youth. Duffy outlined the foundational principle of helping young individuals convert their disadvantages into advantages, aiming to remove barriers that could limit their future prospects.
In terms of future collaborations, the Foundation plans to reinforce partnerships across both the UK and US, particularly focusing on regional programmes that serve local communities. The goal is to enhance the breadth of their impact while ensuring depth and quality in their contributions.
Receiving the King’s Trust Individual Impact Award was a significant honour for Duffy, who perceives it as a testament to the collective effort of his team and partners. He emphasised that the recognition underscores the importance of committed philanthropy, grounded in concrete outcomes, and reinforces his belief in the responsibility of business leaders to facilitate opportunities for those in need.
For business leaders aspiring to incorporate meaningful charitable initiatives into their strategies, Duffy advises starting with a clear understanding of purpose. Identifying relevant issues that align with the company’s values and establishing long-term partnerships focused on measurable outcomes are key. He stressed that when philanthropy is woven into the fabric of business culture, it transcends traditional giving and transforms into a powerful catalyst for positive societal change.
