World Cup sweepstake sees children benefit

Jul 14 2010 by The Journal

A BILLINGHAM-based manufacturer has been crowned the winner of a competition launched to showcase the diversity of export from the region during the World Cup.

As part of the North East Chamber of Commerce’s (NECC) Go Global campaign, 32 businesses from across the region entered the NECC World Cup Charity Sweepstake.

Each business was required to select a country, to which they trade, to represent throughout the competition and asked to make a £100 donation to a nominated charity of their choice.

Global Anodes Ltd, which provides solutions to corrosion and bio-fouling in the marine, offshore and industrial sectors, chose to back Spain to triumph in South Africa, due to its strong commercial links in the country.

And after the Euro 2008 Champions completed an historic double by clinching the Jules Rimet Trophy, Global Anodes Ltd was awarded the £3,200 prize fund to hand to their elected charity, Daisy Chain, a unique charity in Stockton, established to address the needs of both children with autism and their families.

Andy Hatton, technical director at Global Anodes, said: “NECC’s World Cup Charity Sweepstake certainly raised the level of excitement in the office, especially after England bombed out. What has really made it a great World Cup from our point of view is that this money is going to a truly unique organisation that does fantastic work. It was also a great opportunity to work hand in hand with the NECC on a project that promotes the diversity of export business in the North East, something which is essential to the UK’s and the North East’s economic recovery.

Judith Simpson, office manager at Daisy Chain, was thrilled to receive the donation. She said: “The timing couldn’t have been better.

“We have appealed to local businesses to help find funding for a new outdoor play area and, when Andy told us that he had won the sweepstake, we were amazed.

“Andy and Global Anodes have been supporters of Daisy Chain for many years and, thanks to him, this money is going to make such a huge difference to a lot of children and their families.”

The Go Global campaign is run in partnership with The Journal and the North East Chamber of Commerce and backed by UKTI.

Throughout the campaign the NECC has showcased member exporters, to shine a light on the North East’s international trade activity and demonstrate the region’s export strength.

NECC’s chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “The competition has been a great opportunity to demonstrate the range of different companies that trade from the North East to all corners of the world.

“NECC is keen to demonstrate, to businesses that are considering trading overseas, that businesses of all types and sizes are creating successful commercial links across the globe. “