Business Diary: December 18

GARISH knitwear is not normally considered suitable business attire at most companies.

But members of PwC’s tax team in Leeds shed suits and ties to don Christmas jumpers in aid of the accountancy firm’s charity of the year, Teenage Cancer Trust.

More than 30 members donned reindeer and Christmas tree-clad knitwear to raise more than £300 for the charity.

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PwC’s staff-nominated charity of the year, the Teenage Cancer Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people aged between 13 and 24.

Gordon Singer, head of tax for Yorkshire and the North East, said: “It was a day of festive cheer and creativity while making a real difference to the lives of teenagers and their families at Christmas. We are pleased to support Teenage Cancer Trust, as they are doing some amazing work for young people across Yorkshire.

“So many staff dig deep time and time again through a variety of fundraising activities that will help Teenage Cancer Trust provide even more specialised care to young people who truly need it.”

More than £7,500 has been raised so far since the firm started supporting the charity in July.

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Abigail Batchelor, regional fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I have been blown away by the fundraising PwC has achieved over the last few months for Teenage Cancer Trust and the Christmas jumper competition they’ve held is no exception.

“It demonstrates such a fantastic and fun way to raise money for the charity.

“Their support will go directly towards our units in Leeds as well as providing emotional support to young people in the region and educating them about cancer to ensure a swift diagnosis and referral to specialist support.”

Design firm’s calendar bowls over cricket fans

If you’re feeling suitably inspired by the English cricket team’s exploits in India, you might want to flick through 
a calendar that has been put together by the Turley Associates, the independent planning and urban design consultancy.

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The consultancy, which operates across the north of England, is sponsoring the annual Art of Cricket calendar, which features the paintings of Christina Pierce and photographs by Christopher Bishop.

A spokesman for Turley Associates enthused to Diary: “The Art of Cricket calendar features paintings and photographs which capture the 
passion and excitement of the 
game at a national and county 
level, and the enjoyment of amateurs and schoolchildren across the 
country.

“The front cover this year is of the Indian master batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored more Test Match runs than any other player, including 51 centuries.”

Rob Lucas, the chief executive at Turley Associates, said: “The firm has a strong association with cricket, having completed major development planning projects at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston.

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“We have supported this calendar for the past few years and it is always very well received by our clients and friends.”

If you fancy getting a copy, drop an email to [email protected]

Tricky assignment for football-loving banker

BARCLAYS banker Tony Walsh is a life-long Leeds United fan.

So it was understandly difficult for him when his job as managing director for the Blue Eagle bank’s corporate banking division in the North required him to present the Premier League trophy to historic rivals Manchester United in 2011.

“It did hurt. Chief executive David Gill thought it was hilarious,” he recalled.

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“The live audience was hundreds of millions of people. I have never been as nervous in my life because there was no upside – nobody cared who Tony Walsh was.

“The downside was I dropped the trophy or tripped up as I walked out on to the pitch.

“This year, when you had the Man U, Man City final game of the season I was at Sunderland in case Man City didn’t do it and Man U won it and I was in the tunnel being briefed on delivering the trophy when Man City scored twice in injury time and I was asked to stand down.

“When I presented the trophy last year my mobile couldn’t handle the number of messages and texts.

“It just shows you the power of media and the sheer number of people who watch the Premier League.”

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