Million Makers Strike Gold With Prestigious Award

Five Birmingham-based National Express staff struck gold as they scooped a prestigious award for raising thousands of pounds to help young people.

The quintet won The Prince’s Trust Million Makers competition in the West Midlands for raising more money than any other business in the region – helping the UK’s largest coach operator deliver on its groundbreaking Youth Promise.

As part of the Million Makers competition, The Prince’s Trust challenged 60 UK companies to raise more than £10,000 in six months to help young people make a good start in life.

National Express staff Kelly Moore, James Knight, Sally Burnett, Alex Donaldson and Tahmid Tonmoy, who all work at the Birmingham headquarters in Digbeth, smashed the target by raising a staggering total of £12,300.

The five volunteers came up with a whole host of innovative and creative initiatives to raise the money, including mini sports days, cycle events, bucket shakes, dress down days, raffles and a payroll lottery.

As a result of their efforts, National Express won the regional gong and were placed among the top ten of 60 national Million Makers contestants. Meanwhile the five winners were presented with an award at the Prince’s Trust National Celebrate Success Awards hosted by The Prince of Wales.

Overall the 2016 Million Makers competition raised £1,154,256 which will go towards ongoing initiatives to help young people who are facing challenges in work, education and life.

National Express is dedicated to helping young people through its groundbreaking Youth Promise partnership - a set of five commitments with the goal of enhancing the opportunities of success in work, education and life for young people.

National Express UK Coach Managing Director Tom Stables said, “This is a great achievement and we are incredibly proud of our five staff – it’s no exaggeration to say fundraising more than £12,000 in six months is no mean feat. It is a shining example of our commitment to young people through our Youth Promise partnership.”

The Prince’s Trust Corporate Partnership Manager Sonia Kaur said, “The National Express team were a fantastic group to work with. They faced many challenges but never lost their passion and enthusiasm for supporting local young people. Their dedication to raising £12,300 has meant that we have been able to support significantly more disadvantaged young people realise their potential.”