A Nottingham project focused on theatre, film and audio has received a cash donation from a global packaging firm.
Hothouse is a charitable organisation based in Bakersfield Community Centre in Nottingham. Formed in 1998, it has provided a range of creative projects for young people and adults in the area.
Now, thanks to a charitable donation from home-grown family business The Wilkins Group, it has added £1,000 to its funds, helping Hothouse continue delivering creative projects for the local community.
Guy Jones, of Hothouse Theatre, said:
"This donation will help us continue offering creative opportunities that build confidence, skills and community connections for people in Bakersfield and beyond."
Over time, Hothouse has evolved to provide and promote a range of creative projects. It set up its first Film Club on the Brickyard Estate thanks to funding from Children in Need, has since staged fringe productions through Hothouse Theatre, publishes an online magazine, and supports community projects through film-making and promotional video production.
Guy said:
“We work with individuals of all ages and abilities, as well as with community projects. We use the creative process involved in producing theatre, drama, film and audio pieces to help develop confidence, aspiration, and skills, and to address issues within the community.”
Justin Wilkins, joint managing director of The Wilkins Group, said:
“Hothouse is an inspiring organisation. When we heard about the work it does, we knew it was a charity we wanted to support with a donation."
“The charity’s work is inclusive, empowering, and a little different, which is what makes it so special. We love that there is freedom to try new things, build confidence and share their ideas through a range of creative projects. It's a fantastic charity that’s making a lasting difference.”
This is the second year that The Wilkins Group has pledged to support different local charities every month for a year. So far in 2026, the Colwick based business has donated a total of £7,000 to creative charities including, Robin Hood Theatre Company, Nottingham Youth Orchestra, Carlton Operatic Society and Young Creatives Nottingham, as well as giving to St John The Baptist Primary Academy.
The Wilkins Group is a family run business which has grown from humble graphic design beginnings based in a rented building in Talbot Street, Nottingham, to a global firm. Remaining true to its founder’s ethos, it still has its UK headquarters in Nottingham, making it one of the East Midlands’ major employers, while also prioritising giving back to the community and workforce that has helped build the firm’s reputation and success.
Dedicated to improving the environmental impact of industry, the business creates packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry. It is already leading the way in alternatives including the use of compostable materials and oven safe board trays for food packaging.
The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for brands including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.
For more information on The Wilkins Group, visit here. For more information on Hothouse Theatre, visit here.
