West Yorkshire businesses celebrated at a new event held to congratulate those helping homeless into employment

The Howarth Foundation, which was set up in 2017, is a charity created by employment law firm Howarths to help homeless and long term unemployed people get back into work.

Andy Howarth, who co-founded Cleckheaton-based Howarths with his wife Helen, said: “The Howarth Foundation relies upon businesses for support in many ways, and not all can offer the gift of employment, but each play their part in supporting the homeless back into employment.

“This is the first year that we have held this Recognition and Award Event to show the Foundation’s sincere gratitude to our Business Building Futures members, (BBF) and whilst each of our members has received Certificate of Appreciation, three have been awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award.”

The BBF scheme works to match companies with individuals who have experienced hardship to get them back into employment.

Howard Civil Engineering, based in Leeds, was one of three companies to be given the Outstanding Achievement Award. The firm has supported five of The Howarth Foundation’s clients through the BBF scheme, as well as raising over £10,000 for the charity.

Ewan Mason, recruitment manager at Howard Civil Engineering, said: “To be given the award felt great. Any interaction with Howarths is always a proud moment, whether it's an award or just a progress update from their clients. The people that come from the foundation give it their all, you just need to be that support mechanism to enable them to gain their confidence back.

“It's a subject close to everybody's heart within the business, and as a business we’re fortunate to have the capacity to help people who are down on their luck.”

Aura Print, based in Huddersfield, was also given the Outstanding Achievement Award. The firm has supported The Howarth Foundation by offering free printing for a number of years. In June, Aura Print also organised a rowing fundraiser which raised over £5,000.

Zoey Robins, marketing content manager at Aura Print, said: “It was really good to be given the award, we put a lot of effort into our fundraiser over the summer and it was really nice to get the recognition.

“We want to put our support behind the foundation fully and acknowledge that we know the hard work that they put in to everything they're doing.”

Vickers Laboratories, based in Pudsey, was also given the Outstanding Achievement Award. The firm has raised money for The Howarth Foundation over several years, taking part in events such as sponsored walks and the Tough Mudder challenge.

The Business Building Futures Recognition and Awards were held on Thursday, 7 September at Sky Betting and Gaming’s Leeds-based offices.