At Creative Works, our mission extends beyond providing a vibrant coworking space. We aim to cultivate a community grounded in our values.
We believe that doing good goes hand in hand with doing good business. That belief drives our involvement in initiatives, including mental health support, sustainability efforts, charity raffles, and community breakfasts. We also take pride in being part of a network of members, partners, and neighbours who share this commitment to making a positive impact.
Strength in Partnership: Supporting Our Community
One of our most significant long-term partnerships is with Mind, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Every year, we host a Christmas Donation Raffle to raise funds for Mind, with support from local E17 sponsors. The raffle has become a heart-warming Creative Works tradition, combining festive spirit with real impact.
Mental health support is an integral part of our workspace—consistently available and readily accessible. At reception, our members can access trustworthy resources such as brochures from Mind on topics such as bipolar disorder and depression.
Beyond Mind, our support extends to The Big Issue and Charity Bank, two organisations championing economic and social equity. These partnerships reflect our belief that businesses can be powerful agents for positive change.
Little Deeds, Lasting Impact
According to the World Giving Index, the UK ranks as the third most generous country in the world for charitable donations. Millions of people regularly give to causes they care about—not only to make a difference but also for the sense of purpose it contributes to their lives.
Yet, philanthropy doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, grassroots efforts that create the most genuine connections. Take our Macmillan Coffee Morning, for example. Last year, members gathered over coffee and cakes, raising money for cancer support. It was a relaxed, welcoming event—proof that meaningful action can start with something as simple as sharing breakfast.
We also hosted our first raffle two years ago, which helped kick-start an annual tradition of giving. These modest efforts help build momentum—and, more importantly, remind us that even in the rush of emails, meetings, and deadlines, there’s always space to support others.
We’re also proud to house organisations such as SolarAid, a UK-based international charity working to combat energy poverty and climate change by providing access to clean, safe solar-powered lamps across sub-Saharan Africa. Their mission sits at the crossroads of sustainability and innovation—two values we care deeply about. SolarAid lamps are even used in our building—offering a tangible example of their impact.
The Business Case for Doing Good
Charitable giving can also be a smart business strategy for small and medium-sized businesses. Limited companies can claim Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations to UK-registered charities. Whether donating cash, sponsoring events or giving away unused equipment, supporting charitable causes can also help reduce your taxable profits (and lower your overall tax bill).
If your business sponsors a charity or event (with promotional benefits such as logos or mentions), it is still tax-deductible but recorded as a marketing or business expense. That means whether your motive is outreach, values alignment (or both), you receive financial value in return.
We also encourage Payroll Giving, which allows employees to donate to charity directly from their salaries before tax is deducted. It is a simple and efficient way to show your support for the causes you value. For employers, this method effectively builds goodwill and retains talent.
Even sole traders and partnerships can benefit from Gift Aid by claiming tax relief on donations through their Self Assessment tax returns—while also increasing the value of their charitable contributions.
Beyond tax savings, charitable partnerships can improve brand reputation, help win tenders, and demonstrate your commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)—a growing consideration in consumer and B2B markets.
A Space Rooted in Community
We often say that Creative Works is not just a workspace—it’s a community. And community means showing up for one another, inside and outside our walls. Whether you’ve attended a fundraiser, read a Mind brochure at reception, or simply shared a coffee with someone who needed a chat, you’re part of that mission.
As we look ahead, we’ll continue building on our philanthropic efforts, creating space for generosity, empathy, and social responsibility to coexist alongside ambition and creativity.
If you’re interested in getting involved in future initiatives or have a charity in mind that aligns with our values, please feel free to reach out. We are always open to collaboration.
