Celebrating a creative partnership with Mr B’s
When Bath-based bookshop Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights approached OTR in July 2022 with the offer to be their Charity of the Year, Development Manager James Brown leapt at the opportunity…
This relationship with a local business has been about so much more than fundraising. To begin with, the staff and management of Mr B’s chose OTR because they identify with and wanted to promote our work. Secondly, they were offering invaluable exposure on the high street - and online - to their customers and supporters.
The first step was to meet Mr B’s manager Henry Tootle and explore some ideas. Henry then invited James in to talk to his sales and marketing team, to get everyone on board and encourage their full engagement. James reciprocated by inviting Henry to OTR’s Bath office. This early exchange of ideas, information and experiences paved the way for an immensely fruitful collaboration.
Up to April 2024, Mr B’s has supported OTR’s work not only by raising funds but also supporting our young people directly and indirectly. This has included:
A collecting pot at the tills, raising £161, along with leaflets about our services.
Volunteer opportunity for Morgan, a member of Your OTR, at Mr B’s
Online sales of a limited edition signed print by Chris Mould, illustrator of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes, raising £168
Invitation to a book launch by Cathy Retzenbrink, raising awareness of our work and fundraising needs amongst Mr B’s subscribed supporters.
A reading survey for 16 – 25-year-olds, co-created by OTR’s Youth Forum and Mr B’s Education team, and distributed to 100 young people participating in OTR’s Voice programme. Survey results shared with Bath Children’s Literature Festival and Mr B’s.
Sales point for The Bath 5k Map, an illustrated map of local walks with 100% of proceeds going to OTR and Mentoring Plus.
Henry said, "We've been so proud to support OTR over the past year and help spread the word of what the charity does. It is a cause close to the team's hearts and to be able to raise awareness and money to directly help locally means the world to us."
James and the team at OTR are hugely grateful to Henry and his team for all their support over the last two years.
We would love to partner with other local businesses, and James would be delighted to come in and chat about the different ways in which you can support our work. Do email him: jamesbrown@offtherecord-banes.co.uk or call or WhatsApp him on 07498 114630.