Nottingham-based The Wilson Organisation has unveiled plans to mark its centenary in 2014, with the launch of a ‘100 Things for Charity’ year-long initiative.
Directors and staff of the family-owned firm, today in its third generation and led by sisters Annabel Prow and Charlotte Perkins, will support 100 community, charity and school projects in and around Nottingham throughout 2014.
From running marathons and fun runs, to working on mini garden makeover projects, the firm is keen to support initiatives that benefit the environment, young people and children, and support health and sport.
‘The ‘100 Things for Charity’ initiative was unveiled to Wilsons staff at a Victorian-themed event, in recognition of the firm being founded in 1914, to kick-start the centenary year.
Speaking at the event, Charlotte Perkins, managing director of Wilsons, said: “The ‘100 Things for Charity’ initiative will run throughout 2014, our centenary year, with one charitable or community event or activity for each of the firm’s 100 years of business.
“Wilsons not only wants to highlight the longevity, innovation and achievements of the firm over the last 100 years, but also give the whole team the chance to work with the people and community in and around Nottingham, whilst having a bit of fun too.”
Following all events and activities throughout Wilsons’ centenary year will be a unique, specially designed and commissioned centenary teddy bear. Charlotte explained: “’The ‘Wilson Bear’, made by family business Merrythought, will attend all centenary events and celebrations, travel with me and Annabel to other businesses celebrating milestones in their history, and to clients’ premises for meetings. In fact the whole team will take him to all 100 Things events and projects and his year-long adventure will be documented in a commemorative book to be published once the centenary celebrations have drawn to a close.
“Wilson Bear will also be Tweeting about his activities throughout the year on @TheWilsonOrg,” adds Charlotte.
Commenting on Wilsons’ centenary milestone, Annabel Prow, Wilsons’ CEO, adds: “The firm has never stood still, and our commitment to our clients and the belief that they are the most important part of the business, is as strong today as it was when the firm began in 1914. A great number of our clients have remained with us for decades and our reputation for service excellence and innovation in the insurance services and financial advice provided by Wilsons has endured the economic challenges and social changes over its 100-year history.”
Amongst the 12-month calendar of events are a birthday party for clients, fundraising dinners, coffee mornings, and John Prow, the second generation of the family to lead the business, and his wife Olga, will host a Summer Party at their Nottinghamshire home for all staff and their families.
The not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards, created and organised by Wilsons, will this year raise funds for the centenary’s ‘100 things’ initiative.
