British Allied Trade Federation

 

The Benevolent Society’s covid hardship fund, available to members of BATF trade associations, has now opened for applications.

 

The Covid Hardship Fund, managed by the Benevolent Society aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure caused by loss of, or reduced income for members of the National Association of Jewellers, the Giftware Association, the British Travelgoods and Accessories Association, the Surface Engineering Association, the Jewellery Distributors Association and British Jewellery and Giftware International.

 

Members can now make an application for a one-off grant of £750 which will be reviewed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Applications will only be accepted via the hardship fund electronic application form from owners or employees of companies of the above mentioned trade associations, however depending on demand applications may be open to non-members at a later date.

 

Apply for a one-off grant

 

Benevolent Society Chairman, Simon Dawe said,

“In response to this global pandemic, we have now amended our articles of association to include "hardship" and this enables us to set up this fund to help the most vulnerable of our members in the various British Allied Trade Federation’s industries we represent at this most difficult of times.”

 

David Doyle, Benevolent Society Treasurer and Vice Chairman said,

“We see this as a continuation of the excellent work and support already provided by the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity hardship funds for the jewellery and silversmithing trades, but as we have a much broader membership, we very much anticipate receiving applications from those struggling financially in the Surface Engineering, Giftware and Travelgoods industries too.”

 

Set up to provide temporary relief to individuals who are struggling financially until their usual source of income resumes, businesses can also donate to the Society to help support more individuals through the Hardship Fund.

 

The charity financially assists individuals who work, have worked or are embarking on a career in any of the industries represented by BATF. Assistance includes, one off or regular grants for those experiencing financial hardship and educational bursaries for those starting on or progressing their career within the BATF industries. During 2020, The Benevolent Society gave over £44,000 in regular and one off grants and awarded over £36,000 in bursaries.

 

Donate to the Benevolent Society

 

Sarah Ward, BATF Managing Director said,

 

“I’m sure this fund is going to be warmly received by all Associations and members within the BATF community. The Benevolent Society do some excellent work to help support individuals at all levels, and the Covid Hardship Fund is another example of this.

 

“I encourage all members and their employees, who may be experiencing difficulty to apply, but also inviting businesses, who can, to donate to the Society to help support others in challenging circumstances.”

 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, or indeed if you would like to make a donation to The Benevolent Society Covid Hardship Fund and help us assist your fellow members suffering hardship at this time then please contact Laura Banner by email at laura.b.banner@gmail.com  or by telephone on 07985 611 209.