Employees swing into action

BUSINESSES from Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Cambridge have gathered at the Go Ape! High-wire adventure centre near Thetford to launch their part in a nationwide fundraising challenge to raise £1million for the Prince's Trust Business Programme.

The Million Makers challenge will see employees from Suffolk New College in Ipswich and from Royal Bank of Scotland in Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge join forces to battle it out with nearly 50 companies nationwide to raise the most money to support young entrepreneurs seeking help through the youth charity.

Local participants took to the trees at Go Ape! in Thetford Forest for an action-packed course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides as they sought to strengthen their team-working skills ahead of the national fundraising challenge.

As part of the effort, participating teams are being asked to come up with lucrative business ideas that they can turn into mini enterprises to raise money for the Business Programme.

Million Makers has been launched to mark the 25th anniversary of The Prince's Trust Business Programme and is the largest employee fundraising initiative in the charity's history.

Graham Ball, the trust's regional director, said: “The challenge is guaranteed to put the team's entrepreneurial skills to the test whilst also raising vital funds to help us support more young people in the region.”

Go Ape! hosted launch events for the challenge across the country. Rebecca Mayhew, communications director, said the organisation was delighted to support the “inspiring work” of the Prince's Trust.

“As hosts of the exciting launch events for the Million Makers challenge we know the teams are in for an unforgettable adventure; one that will help build team camaraderie and strengthen their bond, which can only motivate them in their quest.”