Spencer Group kicks-off year of fundraising for RNLI

LIFESAVING WORK: RNLI water safety officer Martin Read speaking to Spencer Group staff

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Multi-disciplinary engineering company Spencer Group has announced the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) will be its official charity of the year for 2026.

Each year, Spencer Group employees have the opportunity to nominate and vote for the organisation they would like to see become the company’s official charity partner and this year, employees have chosen the RNLI.

The firm has more than 40 years of experience delivering ports and marine projects across the UK from its head office on the marina in Hull.

Located on the edge of the River Humber - one of the world’s most challenging navigable waterways - the company said it recognises the importance of the RNLI and the vital service it provides.

The RNLI was founded in 1824 and its volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have since saved more than 146,700 lives around the UK and Ireland.

With more than 8,000 operational volunteers, 140 volunteer lifeguards, 14,000 fundraisers, and with 97 per cent of its frontline lifesavers serving on a voluntary basis, the organisation is driven by individuals and communities who dedicate their time and energy to saving lives at sea.

Spencer Group employees, led by its team of ‘charity champions’, will spend the year organising themed fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the charity, with efforts already underway.

SUPPORT: Spencer Group staff voted for the RNLI to be the company’s charity of the year

The company has already raised over £900 of its £10,000 target through a themed bake sale, a spring raffle and weekly dress down Fridays.

To officially launch the partnership, Spencer Group invited RNLI water safety officer Martin Read to its headquarters, where he delivered a presentation to staff. He brought the RNLI’s work to life, sharing insights into his role, the organisation’s history and the lifesaving impact it continues to have. 

Amelia Kitching, internal communications coordinator at Spencer Group, said: “It was a privilege to be part of the RNLI presentation, having nominated the charity as our charity of the year back in January.

“My family and I have been long-time supporters of the organisation, so I’m especially proud to take on the role of charity champion this year and look forward to raising money and awareness of such a worthwhile cause.”

Laura Warner, fundraising and partnership lead at the RNLI, added: “The RNLI are incredibly proud to be named charity of the year by Spencer Group.

“It was a pleasure for our water safety officer Martin to spend time with the Spencer Group staff team, sharing more about the RNLI’s lifesaving work and offering practical advice on how to stay safe around water.

“Partnerships like this are vital in helping us reach more people with our water safety messages and support the RNLI in their mission to save lives at sea.”