A CONSULTANCY business near Tetbury has been taken over by a Canadian software company.

TrustCSR, part of the Trust Partnership, was acquired in February by Benevity, a global leader in corporate social responsibility, workplace giving and volunteering software.

Based at Trull Farm between Tetbury and Cirencester, TrustCSR began with just nine people in their office but are now part of a growing global business.

Matthew Fawcett, VP International for Benevity, has moved over from Canada to work in the UK with the former TrustCSR team and is delighted with the growth so far.

“We’ve worked together in a loose handshake partnership for about four or five years,” he said.

“Our philosophies were aligned, and it made sense that we formalise our relationship. Benevity is on a mission to constructively disrupt the way businesses do good, helping companies infuse their corporate cultures with more purpose, meaning and impact, and become the force for positive social change that we all expect them to be.”

Benevity started ten years ago and has grown to be the supplier of choice to Microsoft, Nike, Apple and hundreds more.

They provide software that powers corporate programmes, including volunteering, giving, matching, grant making, sustainability and D&I initiatives. They also provide consulting in CSR strategy.

“Many companies offer ad hoc volunteering or payroll giving to their employees but through Benevity companies can truly integrate their community programmes, building more awareness, driving up participation and authentically engaging their employees,” added Mr Fawcett. 

Benjamin Janes, founder of TrustCSR and now Foundation and partnership director at Benevity, said: “We began working with Benevity five years ago. Many of the companies in this space are very U.S.-centric, but Benevity wanted to create a truly international presence that speaks to the cultural nuances in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

 “The community giving programmes we’ve seen in the UK are quite static and un-engaging. We want to change that, and we believe both companies and communities will benefit.

To that end, charities will receive over a billion dollars through Benevity’s platform this year alone. 

 “We’re growing rapidly and acquiring new clients who share our vision and we’re excited to be part of that growth.”