Suffolk ProHelp is a countywide network of businesses which provides professional and strategic support free of charge to voluntary organisations.
The guiding principle of Suffolk ProHelp is that members approach this work in the same way as they would any other fee-paying customer. The only difference is that the community client is not charged for the work undertaken.
Suffolk ProHelp is co-ordinated by Community Action Suffolk and funded through the Transformation Challenge Award, made possible by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group.
We’d like to introduce you to one of the Suffolk ProHelp members, who has signed up to support Suffolk’s voluntary organisations.
Established for over 100 years, we cover all of the areas you would expect a firm of Chartered Accountants to, and more. From our compliance offering in accounts preparation, audit and tax to advisory services that help our clients deal with the unexpected as well as plan for growth, succession and international expansion.
We have five offices across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, 14 partners and over 200 staff.
The core values of the firm are integral to the way we work and are:
We treat our clients and employees as individuals
We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence
We build strong and long term relationships
We are genuinely approachable
We work with many not-for-profit organisations across the region from small, volunteer run charities to high profile national names and, as such, have an experienced, specialist team that is led by a dedicated partner who is accredited with the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting.
Why did your business get involved with Suffolk ProHelp?
With our roots firmly established in Suffolk, the majority of our partners and staff live and work in the county. As such, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of Suffolk and an integral part of that is supporting those businesses that may share our aims but may not be able to access the professional help and advice they need to attain them. We feel that through Suffolk ProHelp we are able to provide such help and support.
Which voluntary organisations have Suffolk Prohelp matched you with and how did you help them?
We have recently been matched with our first charity, supporting them to set up their accountancy systems. We look forward to sharing more news about this soon!
How else does your business get involved with the local community?
As a firm Ensors supports many organisations that get involved with the local community. They include Suffolk Community Foundation, Suffolk Young Farmers, University of Suffolk and MENTA.
Our partners and staff are keen fundraisers and regularly get involved in locally driven initiatives such as the Hospices accumulator challenges and many of them also hold voluntary positions with local charities.
What would you say to voluntary organisations which might need professional support?
Take it. Quite often if you don’t seek the professional advice when you need it, it can often end up costing you more in the long run.
Why would your recommend businesses join Suffolk ProHelp?
There are many voluntary organisations who, like us, are trying to make Suffolk a great place to live and work – for everyone. However, many of them come from very humble beginnings and may not be able to access the professional help they need, when they need it most. By providing your professional services free of charge you are helping these organisations improve our wonderful county for the good of us all.
Suffolk ProHelp would like to hear from you if you are:
a business in Suffolk that would be interested in joining Suffolk ProHelp
a voluntary organisation or charity in Suffolk that would be interested in probono services from Suffolk businesses
