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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Feb 5
2 min read

Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully negotiated the sale of nearly one-and-a-half acres of industrial outdoor storage (IOS) land in a prime Croydon area.

The firm acted for a private individual in the sale of 89–91 Beddington Lane to Marchmont Investment Management for an undisclosed sum. Extending to 1.495 acres (65,122 sq ft) with office space of 2,822 sq ft (262.1 sq m), the site is let to Sunbelt Rentals UK on a 10-year lease from April 2018.

Mikael Goldsmith, Vail Williams partner, concluded the deal for the site – a rare open storage investment opportunity in an established key industrial location. Patrick Windle of M1 Agency acted for the purchaser.

Mikael said:

“This well-located freehold site generated strong interest, reflecting the ongoing demand for IOS assets in strategic South London locations. Great to see this one over the line – congratulations to all parties involved."

“The wider popularity of IOS is a growing trend. Historically it has very much been dominated by owner-occupiers and private investors, but we are now seeing more institutional investors moving into the sector, perhaps attracted by growing demand for sites and minimal maintenance overheads."

“Traditionally the preserve of the construction industry, IOS site have been increasingly used by other sectors, particularly for vehicle storage connected with supply chain distribution networks. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the last mile delivery concept, driving demand for IOS sites in prime locations, with further growth likely. Now is a good time to come to market for anyone holding suitable land.”

The Croydon site is conveniently located for transportation links via the A326 and B272, with central London a 30-minute drive, Gatwick Airport 28 minutes and Heathrow 45 minutes. Beddington Lane tram stop is three minutes’ walk away and Hackbridge train station is eight minutes.

Nearby occupiers include IKEA, TNT, Booker, UPS Royal Mail, Selco, DHL and GXO. The property comprises a concrete surfaced open storage yard, with a small three storey office building. The site benefits from power, electric, drainage, water and a secure perimeter fence. It has primarily operated as open storage for the past 20 years with the previous use being a scaffolders yard.

Croydon, 9.5 miles south of central London is greater London’s largest single market, with inward investment of over £5.25bn on local regeneration projects, including the Growth Zone Program, a £520m initiative supporting local infrastructure upgrades, including the 1.4bn redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Centre and the improvements to West Croydon Station and local tram services.

Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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