Age UK Suffolk is turning 70 this year – a significant birthday for a charity which works for and with older people across the county.

To mark the occasion, the charity is seeking 70 business supporters from across Suffolk to pledge their support, or become ‘Platinum Friends.’

Not just a donation, Platinum Friends offers benefits to businesses. In return for a donation of £200, Platinum Friends of Age UK Suffolk will gain from networking events including an informal meet-up event planned for October, and a larger business networking and information conference on January 31 at Wherstead Park in Ipswich. This will be a full-day event focusing on the outcomes of supporting a local charity and business issues surrounding an ageing population. The aim of this event is to inform, educate and advise partners as well as offering an excellent opportunity for businesses to work together for the benefit of the Suffolk community.

So far, forty businesses have signed up, including Coes, Gressingham Foods, Spider Web Recruitment and Concertus Design and Property Consultants.

Jo Reeder, Head of Fundraising and Marketing explained that with an ageing population, the services of Age UK Suffolk become more vital each year. “With a decline in public sector funding, the support of local businesses is absolutely invaluable to our survival. With the support of some fantastic local businesses, we hope to be around for another 70 years and beyond.”

Peter Tuvey, the co-founder of Fleximize, summed up his company’s commitment by stating: “It’s an absolute pleasure to support Age UK Suffolk on a year that marks their 70th anniversary. The work they’re doing is only going to become more demanding as time goes on, and we’re keen to support the fantastic work they’re doing across the county.”

Topics for the conference are set to include: the Benefits and Challenges of an ageing workforce, why businesses should be ‘dementia friendly’ and how to make corporate social responsibility work.

Age UK Suffolk has already reached some way toward their target of 70 business supporters from across Suffolk. “We are really pleased with the diversity of the businesses who have become Platinum Friends to date” says Jo Reeder. “We have a real mix of owner-managed businesses through to iconic Suffolk brands and a real variety of business types from retail, recruitment, finance, law and accounting through to transportation.”

To join Age UK Suffolk’s Platinum Friends scheme please contact Jo Reeder or Lindsay Long at Age UK Suffolk: fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org or call 01473 298683.