Freshwater signs up to support Show Racism the Red Card

Independent communications consultancy, Freshwater, has signed up to become a ‘business friend’ of anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC).

Pledging support to mark the charity’s 20th anniversary year, Freshwater’s sponsorship will help fund a programme of educational work throughout 2016.

“SRtRC is doing great work in exposing how racism and Islamophobia poison human relations and divert attention from the real issues facing people in Britain and internationally,” said Steve Howell, chief executive of Freshwater.

“I’m pleased that, as a business that strives to be ethical, Freshwater is playing a part in this vital campaign. It’s fantastic to know that our sponsorship will help fund important work with school children and young people, especially in light of recent revelations in professional sport. The remark made about Welsh international rugby player, Samson Lee, during the Six Nations shows that there’s still a lot of work to be done to tackle derogatory language and actions in all levels of sport.”

With established partners such as Nationwide Building Society, Companies House and UIA Insurance, Business Friends of SRtRC gives companies the opportunity to link into all aspects of the charity’s work and become part of a network of businesses with a strong corporate social responsibility agenda.

“In these tough times of austerity, this support will contribute significantly towards the programme of educational activities that we are able to undertake throughout the course of the year,” said Deputy Chief Executive of SRtRC Paul Kearns. “With its strong trade union background, Freshwater is an ideal partner for Show Racism the Red Card, sharing many of the same aims and values, we look forward to working with them throughout the season and hopefully for many more years to come.

”Show Racism the Red Card’s work has drawn wide support and recognition from across all sectors of society, yet we feel that there is still a lot that can be undertaken, to our mutual benefit, with the business community.”

Freshwater, which has 55 staff in London and Cardiff, works with a wide range of clients including sports governing bodies, educational institutions, trade unions, charities, NHS organisations and campaigning law firm, Thompsons Solicitors.

In 2014, the company won a PRCA Public Affairs Award for its work with the League Against Cruel Sports. The #WhatTheFox? campaign was instrumental in eliminating a threat to a repeal of the 2004 Hunting Act.

Freshwater has in-house brand, channel and creative teams with capabilities in web development, digital marketing, social media, video production, graphic design and event management. It also has a conference and training division, Waterfront, offering bespoke media training and policy conferences in education, planning, transport and energy.