2024 was a good year for 186hr. The thing we are most proud of is that our success enabled us once again to donate many thousands of pounds to charity.
Each year we give 10% of turnover to 3 fabulous charities, but as a small company clearly this won’t change the world.
Imagine though if we could change the world. What if we were able to persuade successful companies to be philanthropic like many of the great industrialists of yesteryear? They would still be hugely profitable, add to reserves and pay dividends to shareholders but if they gave e.g. a quarter of their profits to worthy causes, what a difference this could make to our country. For example:
BP and Shell could each build a massive state of the art hospital over the next 5 years, kit it out with the latest equipment in year 6 then pay all employment etc costs from year 7 onwards.
The banks could build and then staff a hundred respite centres near hospitals so those who are well enough to leave but not well enough to go home can be looked after properly, freeing up their hospital beds.
Builders and estate agents could buy derelict brownfield sites in town and city centres and turn them into adequate accommodation for the homeless, temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, or others in our fabulous country who have fallen on hard times for whatever reason.
And so on …… we really could change our world into a kinder, more caring place instead of our institutions wasting money and destroying value with failed takeovers and other nonsense.
And they wouldn’t need to do this anonymously. In fact I’d be happy if they shouted about it, as that would encourage others to follow and reap the benefits – I am sure I am not alone in that if e.g. Costa did this but Starbucks didn’t, I know where I would / would not buy my coffee (other foul tasting coffee outlets are available).
I suspect these companies would also run their new endeavours far more efficiently than governments of any colour with all their short termism, beaurocracy and profligacy. Certainly judging by the mess this government is making, and don’t even get me started on the previous lot!
So go on, let’s lead the world and make capitalism kinder. Employees, customers and the rest of us would be proud to work for and do business with companies like that.
Just a thought.
All the very best for 2025, hope it brings you health, success, joy and happiness. From Pete and the team.