MANY Basingstoke businesses already contribute greatly to our community, but with more organisations choosing to base themselves in our part of north Hampshire, there is always room for new ways to help bring together business and the community.

May last year saw the launch of the Basingstoke Employees in the Community Network, which now has the support of 10 local companies and more than 50 voluntary groups.

The scheme helps voluntary groups to link up with local companies and tap into the skills and expertise existing in their workforce. To date, the organisation has helped voluntary and community organisations work with Barclays, Unum, AWE, Global Crossing, IBM and AXA/Winterthur to complete important community projects and conservation work.

One of the network's aims is to also set up a "skills bank" of employee volunteers from local companies who want to share their business skills freely with local voluntary groups.

The skills bank offers employees opportunities for personal development while directly benefiting the community.

There are currently several projects under way, involving employee volunteers with IT, finance, marketing and legal expertise.

The Basingstoke Employees in the Community Network is looking for more business and voluntary organisations to get involved in the scheme.

If you would like to find out more, contact Vivien Harrison, at Basingstoke Voluntary Services, on 01256 423833 or e-mail vivien.harrison@voluntaryservices.com

LAST week, I was delighted to meet staff from ITT Defence in Parliament.

ITT manufactures the Bowman Radio, which is the main communication device used by military personnel out in the field, and I was privileged to see it in action during my recent visit to Afghanistan.

Basingstoke is home to ITT's European operations and representatives were in Parliament to present SSAFA - the organisation that supports ex-servicemen and women - with a significant financial donation to help provide more accommodation for relatives visiting injured soldiers during their convalescence.

TO CONTACT Maria, call her at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5749, e-mail millerm@parliament.uk or write to her at The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

4:12pm Wednesday 30th January 2008

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