Employees at a Stockport accountants are helping women get back into work by supporting Smart Works, a locally based charity who help clients through the interview process, including providing an outfit and guidance with interview techniques.
Bennett Verby employees have collected ‘pre-loved’ blouses, dresses, jackets, trousers and shirts – a total of 10 large bags full of smart business clothes – and donated them to Smart Works, who not only supply the clothes but also styling advice and interview training to women who are out of work, on low incomes. The aim is to boost confidence and to help them succeed.
Opened originally in London, Smart Works has recently opened up an office on St Petersgate in Stockport, the first office outside London and now complemented by Smart Works in Edinburgh.
Adam Rhodes, Training Manager, at Bennett Verby organised the collection after he heard Laura Dalby, Manager of Smart Works talk to local businesses about the devastating impact that a recent break in had had on the new business. Much of their existing stock of clothes, bags and shoes had been damaged by vandals and was no longer wearable.
Adam immediately asked staff in the Stockport office to help and he was delighted with the response.
Adam (pictured above with Laura) said:
“Our team were really keen to help and the response we had was great. We are pleased to be able to support Smart Works and the valuable work that Laura and her team do.”
Laura added:
“Smart Works is a charity that helps women on low incomes get a job and become financially independent. With extensive knowledge of the problems that these women face, we provide interview clothing and interview training, enabling them not only to feel more confident but to believe in their own ability to succeed and move on with their lives.
“Since we opened on 1st June, 66% of our clients have succeeded at getting a job within the first month of visiting Smart Works, so this is a programme that really works. And, with the help of companies like Bennett Verby and their employees who have donated work appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories, we are able to continue dressing women to give them the best chance to succeed at their job interview.”
If you would like to support Smart Works Greater Manchester as a volunteer, as a corporate organisation, or if you have some clothing you would like to donate, then please get in touch by email: greatermanchester@smartworks.org.uk
For more information about Smart Works Greater Manchester visit
www.smartworks.org.uk/manchester