About Focus Foundation
Formed in 2021, Focus Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Focus Group. The charitable foundation has been established to support UK-based charities, community projects and social enterprises, with a vision to make a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives.
Meet the team
Our trustees are responsible for setting our strategic direction, upholding the objectives of our vision and monitoring the delivery of our grants. Together with our team, our volunteers, our partners and our supporters – we work to ensure Focus Foundation continues to make a difference.
Our Trustees
Chris Goodman
Co-Founder & Trustee
Co-Founder of Focus Group, Chris has been instrumental in championing a series of initiatives within the business, these include Employee Wellbeing, Environmental Impact and Community Fundraising. Chris is particularly passionate about removing the stigma of mental health in the workplace.
Elaine Goodman
Trustee
Elaine has led the Charity & Community team at Focus Group for the past 3 years. With a BA in Business & Event Management and over 10 years working in training and development, Elaine has both the enthusiasm and practical experience needed to develop Focus Foundation.
David Hill
Trustee
David lives and breathes the world of events, marketing and fundraising. Over the last fifteen years, he has focused his career on helping local and national charities to develop their income generation strategy and heighten their profile. David has developed a portfolio of large events, including the leading family pantomime in Brighton and the UK’s biggest outdoor gin and food festival.
Emma Stroude
Trustee
Emma is a passionate fundraiser who has dedicated much of her spare time supporting local charities. She brings a mixture of commercial experience, events management and training skills from her previous career with Virgin Atlantic.
Emma is thrilled to be part of the team on this exciting journey.
Our Ambassadors
Heidi Skerritt
Ambassador
Heidi & Richard Skerritt have a long history of supporting charitable causes. Richard’s business, Skerritts Consultants has raised hundreds of thousands over the last 30 years. Heidi brings with her bags of energy and an eye for adding ‘wow factor’ to any of our fundraising events.
Nicola Ramsdale
Ambassador
Nicola is thrilled to be an ambassador for the Focus Foundation, promoting its vital work. Nicola is committed to supporting charities that have the community, mental health and young people at the heart of what they do, and is delighted to be working alongside Chris, Elaine and the team to raise awareness and change lives.
Our Operations Team
Mandi Stanley
Grants & Charity Manager
Mandi has an entrepreneurial spirit which is why she is drawn to supporting businesses during their initial establishment and growth phases. Mandi has a heart for charity and looks forward to putting her skills to good use to accelerate the Foundation’s ambitions.
.jpg)
Katie Gibson
Relationship Manager
Over the last few years Katie has been instrumental in the idea generation of fundraising events to support local charities. Having seen the positive impact, the Focus Foundation has already made on people’s lives, she feels privileged to be supporting the Foundation to reach their goals.
Julie Billings (Jules)
Marketing & Communications Manager
With over twenty years’ experience in marketing, campaigns and project management across a range of industries and businesses, Jules has joined us to strengthen the team and drive the marketing and communications for the Foundation.
Charlotte Pook
Ops Manager & EA to the Board of Trustees
Charlotte has over 20 years of experience as a Personal and Executive Assistant in the insurance and telecommunications industries. Joining Focus in 2018, she excels in high-pressure environments and multitasking. In 2020, she helped establish the Foundation and has now rejoined the team to support Operations and the Trustees.
Amy Norris
Finance Coordinator
Amy is Head of Financial Operations at Focus Group, in charge of financial reporting as well as the general running of day to day operational financing, from banking to statutory accounts. With experience in the 3rd sector, Amy is supporting our financial governance and reporting.
Our Patrons
Andrew Bernardi
Patron
Patron of Focus Foundation, Andrew Bernardi has dedicated many years to fundraising for causes close to the community he calls home. Andrew brings a wealth of passion for social mobility and particularly promotes the transformative nature of performance across the world, beyond benefiting the local community.
Anita Dobson
Patron
Anita, a distinguished figure in both stage and screen, is widely celebrated for her philanthropic endeavors, notably her unwavering commitment to children's charities and causes. With her extensive experience, Anita enriches our Foundation, serving as a recurring judge at our Winter Ball. We are thrilled to welcome her as a patron, joining Andrew in this pivotal role.