Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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Charity leaders met in Southampton for a roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities facing third sector organisations.

On the agenda at the annual breakfast time ‘think tank’, co-hosted by HWB Chartered Accountants and banking group Handelsbanken, were the latest revisions to national codes of practice on both fundraising and governance issued during the past year.

Michaela Johns, HWB Director, said:

“Our roundtable was an ideal opportunity for charity representatives to discuss the revised codes and guidance and compare notes on how their compliance and due diligence is going so far. It was really valuable to share ideas and suggestions on how best to navigate the changes to the codes alongside many other issues and opportunities impacting the sector.”

Represented at the event, held at the Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village, were charities involved in areas such as housing, wildlife protection, homelessness and dementia support. Attendees included charity chief executives and chief financial officers.

Guest speaker Kirsteen Hook, Partner and specialist charities solicitor at law firm Trethowans, explained that the revised fundraising framework places increased emphasis on trustees demonstrating active oversight of fundraising and ensuring appropriate governance, risk management and decision-making processes are in place.

Kirsteen said:

“Trustees are expected to keep abreast of changes to relevant fundraising and governance guidance and to consider what, if any, changes are required to their charity’s policies, procedures and practices.”

Kim Christopher, Corporate Account Manager at Handelsbanken, who co-chaired the event, said:

“As a relationship bank we believe there is no substitute for getting together at events like this and working together – not just discussing how to navigate the latest guidance and requirements, but also sharing best practice and learning from each other. We are delighted to continue to support our partners in this area.”

Sally Randall, founder of Abby’s Heroes, a Southampton-based charity that provides practical measures and programmes to help families presented with a childhood cancer diagnosis, said:

“Very rarely do you get a collection of charities together in one place at the same time. It was a safe space and a positive learning experience. Listening to what other charities were saying was enlightening. I really enjoyed the morning. It raised some interesting and relevant points, especially around our trustees’ responsibilities and obligations which have been fed back to them.”

The other attendees were: Laura Read, Marwell Wildlife; Josh Towers, YMCA Fairthorne; Kirsty Dennett and Steve Swift, Rose Road Association; Helen Hamblen, Dementia Support Hampshire and Isle of Wight; Tim Bissett, St John’s Winchester; Mark Ind, Heartbeat; Charlotte Fairall, Sophie’s Legacy; and Sam Fulling, Saints Foundation.

The 93-page fundraising code, which came into operation in November 2025 having been published earlier by the sector’s Fundraising Regulator, features a more ‘principles-based’ approach which places greater emphasis on trustee oversight, judgement, governance and documenting fundraising decisions.

A further 20-page update on trustee duties in relation to fundraising was issued in February 2026 with the regulator and the Charity Commission then going on to provide a ten-page document, ‘Raising money for charity: public guidance’, in June 2026.

The 47-page Charity Governance Code 2025, produced by a cross-sector voluntary steering group, is designed as a practical tool for trustees rather than a regulatory requirement. It covers essential aspects of governance such as roles, responsibilities, legal duties, expectations, ethics, standards, behaviours and processes.

Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Photo: Charity Support - Presenters at the charity roundtable held at the Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village, Southampton, from left: Michaela Johns, HWB Chartered Accountants; Kirsteen Hook, Trethowans; and Kim Christopher, Handelsbanken.

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Jun 24, 2025
2 min read

Leading glass packaging supplier Croxsons has announced the launch of an exclusive new range of premium spirits bottles, now available to producers across the UK. Developed through a strategic partnership with a trusted international manufacturer, the new collection responds to growing demand for distinctive, high-quality packaging within the country’s vibrant spirits sector.

The newly introduced range consists of nine unique bottle designs, housed in Croxsons’ UK warehouse, facilitating swift and adaptable delivery with shorter lead times and lower shipping costs. With a minimum order quantity of just one pallet, the range is accessible to both established spirits brands and emerging producers.

Featuring a range of styles, from sleek and contemporary to classically shaped and vintage-inspired, the portfolio caters to a wide array of premium spirits, including whisky, gin, vodka, rum, liqueurs and more. Each bottle is manufactured from ‘extra flint’ crystal glass, providing exceptional clarity and on-shelf impact. The collection includes some of the lightest bottles on the market, delivering sustainability benefits without compromising on premium aesthetics.

Paul McGrane, Croxsons’ sales director, said:

“We’re delighted to be the exclusive UK partner for this premium spirits bottle range. The collection brings something new and exciting to the market, combining style, quality and flexibility that Croxsons is known for. With stock now held locally, we can supply on demand, helping customers respond faster to opportunities while also saving on logistics.”

Croxsons’ wider offering extends far beyond bottles. The company is uniquely positioned to support spirits brands with a comprehensive packaging solution, supplying compatible corks, stoppers, capsules and decorative finishes to create a cohesive and standout brand experience. From concept to completion, Croxsons aims to be the preferred packaging partner for the spirits industry.

“This range marks an exciting new chapter in our offering to the spirits sector,” added McGrane.

“We’re proud to bring something fresh and distinctive to the UK market and we look forward to helping both heritage and emerging brands improve their packaging through quality, style and smart supply.”

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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