Times, though, have moved on. Nowadays, supporting charities is an important business decision and the ongoing relationship which ensues is very much a strong two-way partnership designed to benefit both the business (be it from the private or public sector) and the charity.

Discussing these mutual benefits is Lyndsay Wood, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust , who describes how corporate partners can help EHAAT as a charity and what the charity gives back to the corporate sector in return. We also speak to Anastasia Simpson from Tendring District Council , who explains its role in supporting Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) as the voluntary body in turns supports dozens of local charity and voluntary sector organisations.

Plus, we hear from Sally Powell, Executive Partner at leading legal firm, Tees Law , which this year created the Tees Better Future Fund, offering grants up to £5,000 for projects that support learning and education and promoting good health and wellbeing in the areas where it conducts business.

Listen online at essexbusinesspodcast.co.uk , or download episode 26 from your usual podcast provider (search ‘Essex Business Podcast'). You can also subscribe, and be among the first to listen to each episode on its release each month.

The Essex Business Podcast, which is brought to you by Rickard Luckin, features practical advice, tips, and insight from business leaders and professional advisers across the county.