Shared entrepreneurial spirit drives dynamic new partnership

One of the North East’s leading corporate finance specialists has joined a growing network focused on backing sport and boosting business.

Williams Ali Corporate Finance has become the latest high-profile firm to partner with fast-rising sport service GiveToLocal.

And the move further consolidates an increasingly influential network of local businesses determined to shape the region’s grassroots sport landscape.

“First and foremost GiveToLocal is a very clever idea,” explains Abu Ali, founding partner of Williams Ali Corporate Finance.

“I think the entire charitable giving space needs some innovation and the GiveToLocal model shakes things up.

“Other platforms have done a decent job so far but trying to apply their model to grassroots sport is difficult.

“GiveToLocal has come up with a novel solution to helping the local community and that’s what piqued my interest.

“But it’s the tech angle – combined with their corporate play – which is really clever.

“I think the chance to benefit grassroots sport and join a like-minded business network is what’s going to be massively appealing to a lot of businesses.

“Thanks to the tech I can see how far GiveToLocal could scale and I recognise the scope and potential of the organisation.

“But if I’m completely honest it’s the business and networking angle that got me hooked.

“My business network is hugely important to me and when I read about other firms partnering with GiveToLocal I realised we had to make this work for us.”

GiveToLocal launched in December 2019 with a commitment to back sport, boost business and build networks.

Its user-friendly online service allows donors and sponsors to directly – and easily – support the long-term future of local community sport clubs.

And the Tyneside-based organisation is working with almost 60,000 teams in 15 sports across the UK.

David Broom, Head of Corporate Relations at GiveToLocal, adds: “We are thrilled to have the team at Williams Ali Corporate Finance join our regional partner network.

“They are creating a brand that is synonymous with quality, excellence and integrity and this will add real value to our growing network of corporate partners.

“Like GiveToLocal, they are a dynamic firm with their roots in the North East and their passion for offering a unique brand of financial advice to business owners across the region, helping those businesses secure investment for growth, is admirable.

“This is closely aligned with GiveToLocal’s passion to protect community sports clubs and the happy environments, healthy people and strong communities they create, through free and easy access to sustainable funding.”

Abu echoes David’s view that two of the rising stars of the North East business community share a common ethos.

And he explains that it was an initial meeting with GiveToLocal CEO and founder Neil Gardiner that confirmed there was common ground between the two organisations.

“I first met Neil towards the end of last year and I was immediately struck by what he had to say and how he saw the future,” adds Abu.

“I don’t know him very well but what I do know is that we’re two ambitious, tenacious and entrepreneurial people who like to get things done.

“It’s no coincidence that Williams Ali Corporate Finance and GiveToLocal are partners.

“We have both adapted to the challenges brought about by the pandemic and cracked on in terms of trying to move our respective organisations forward.

“We operate in very different spaces but we share a determination to make the most of a very difficult situation.”

Williams Ali Corporate Finance is finalising plans to move into a new city centre office in the heart of Newcastle.

And Abu added: “We’re working on a number of high profile projects which we’re hoping we can transact and complete before the end of the year.

“We’re also going to be recruiting in the near future and we’re looking to add another member to the senior team.

“We think there will be some great opportunities when we finally emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and we want to be in the best possible position to make a positive impact.”

To find out more about Williams Ali Corporate Finance call 0191 2246760.

To join the GiveToLocal network visit www.givetolocal.com/corporates