Plasticware manufacturer What More and security products specialist Abus are among the latest companies to declare their support for industry charity the Rainy Day Trust by signing up as partners.
What More director Tony Grimshaw said of the decision to partner the trust: "As a company we have a very strong sense of social responsibility and awareness. We have had a lot of help and support in the 16 years of our company's life from our 1,300-plus independent retailers, our wholesale customers, and from regional and national multiples. We also received help and guidance from BHETA, from the housewares and garden trade press, and from industry mentors too numerous to mention or list.

"Becoming a Rainy Day Trust partner is a way of returning a little bit of support to the industry that has done so much for us," said Mr Grimshaw. "It is the industry support mechanism, much needed by many who have put so much in and got not so much out of it. We at What More are privileged and proud to be a partner of the Rainy Day Trust."

Abus UK managing director Nick Vanderhoest commented: "At various trade events, Abus staff individually often make Rainy Day Trust contributions. It is an excellent cause, and one that is very close to home helping those in need who have served our industry. As a business, Abus realised being a sponsor was not just the right thing to do from a social point of view, but also makes good business sense. The brand publicity Abus gets is easily worth the sponsorship, and the feel-good factor - both from the company and staff view - cannot be overestimated. I just wonder why we never did it before."

The Rainy Day Trust, founded in 1843, provides financial and other support for everyone currebtly working in or who has worked in the home improvement and housewares industry in any capacity, and who now finds that they need a helping hand. For more information about the trust and its work, go to www.rainydaytrust.org.uk, or call 0121 237 1130.