The gift to the Charitable Trust of the entire shareholding in Group was the fulfilment of Eric Wright’s long held belief that the role of business in society is not to create wealth for the few but instead is fundamental to the building of a strong community. Sole ownership by the Trust ensures that all profits generated from working within the community are either reinvested in the Group or used by the Trust for charitable purposes. The result is a strong business providing local employment, a proactive CSR policy working within the community and a Charitable Trust driving a wider charitable agenda.
The ownership of the Eric Wright Group by the Charitable Trust has created a unique long-term partnership between the commercial and charitable arms, borne out of a philosophy of social integration that goes beyond corporate social responsibility, enabling the entire organisation to function in the manner of a social enterprise.
Eric Wright Learning Foundation sponsors a ‘real work environment’ in partnership with Preston’s College. This is attended by students from age 14+ studying Level 1 to Level 3 vocational skills programmes, through to apprenticeships.
Eric Wright Charitable Trust purchased the Water Park Estate on Coniston Water in March 1998 and converted the former mansion house into a residential outdoor adventure centre.