But as it grew and prospered, Michael was convinced that supporting the community of Herne Bay, Kent – home of the company’s skilled manufacturing workforce – was not a responsibility that should be undertaken lightly or in a piecemeal fashion.

“Having lived and worked in Kent for well over 40 years, it seemed highly appropriate to give something ‘extra’ back to the community,” said Michael. “In the past, we had supported numerous local projects, but always as a response to unsolicited requests, rather than seeking out causes we particularly wanted to help with. However, recently we decided to structure our charitable giving a little more by going out and finding groups and organisations that, for whatever reason, we’d never ordinarily get to hear about.”

Like many others before him, Michael and his family realised there were hundreds of worthwhile small groups and associations needing financial help. What had seemed a simple task suddenly became enormously time-consuming and occasionally confusing, and that’s when a friend referred Michael to Kent Community Foundation. Kent Community Foundation helped Michael set up the Crown Charitable Trust Fund and since then he has also established two additional, special purpose funds, to support the New Marlowe Theatre and the Spires Academy in Canterbury.