A Bolton-based business has renewed its silver patron status for the fifth time with a local children’s charity.
Bolton Lads and Girls Club will continue to have the support of nationwide business adviser firm Hilton Smythe.
The club, which has recently undergone a £2.4m renovation, was established in 1889 and is one of the largest youth clubs in the UK.
It offers year-round support for people aged 8 to 19, with people with disabilities able to stay on until they are 21.
Hilton Smythe Group employs more than 50 members of staff at its head office in Bolton and across the country. Since its launch, it has facilitated the sale of thousands of businesses nationwide.
Since it opened in 2011, the company has supported several good causes.
As Boltonians, the company directors admit to having a particular affinity with the Bolton Lads and Girls Club and became club patrons back in 2017.
Hilton Smythe co-founder and operations director Craig Graham along with business development manager Belinda Daniels were invited to visit the renovated building, which is now decorated with inspirational quotes and has brand-new sports, gaming and music facilities.
Mr Graham said: “Supporting the Bolton Lads and Girls Club over the past five years has been so important to us.
“As founders of Hilton Smythe, it was very important to Gareth and me that we give back to the local community, and the work the club does for local young people is incredible.
“We’re delighted to be part of its story.
“It was fantastic to see all the hard work that’s gone into revamping the premises, and the new facilities are brilliant. The young people who use the club will have a fantastic time.”
Karen Edwards OBE, chief operating officer at Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome proud silver patrons Hilton Smythe to BLGC over the October half term holidays.
“We believe it’s important for all our Patrons and Supporters to be able to experience first-hand the impact they are directly having through their support.
“One of our values here at BLGC is ‘care’ – having genuine people that care, that make a difference.
“This extends to our Patrons too and we thank Hilton Smythe for caring and for helping to make a difference so that we can support even more children and young people at a time when they need us more than ever.”
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