Introducing the Hudson Foundation: who we are, what we do and why it matters
21st May 2024 | Hudson Contract
The Hudson Foundation launches this month, uniting our efforts to create opportunities for young people to learn trade skills, develop self-confidence and get a good start in life. Additionally, the new initiative supports families in need and provides a voice for self-employment in construction.
Our founder and chairman David explains the foundation to Justine Greening, former education secretary and prominent social mobility campaigner, in a special podcast interview.
David and his wife and business partner Lesley Jackson come from humble beginnings in Bridlington, a seaside town in East Yorkshire which is home to some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Britain.
Their success in business has enabled them to “give something back” to the local community and wider industry. The Hudson Foundation brings together wide-ranging philanthropic activities in areas including:
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Trade skills: The Hudson Foundation pays £50 per week towards the wages of an apprentice during their first year in our flagship sponsorship scheme. To date, we have sponsored more than 260 young people to learn valuable trade skills and get a good start in life. Our flagship scheme reflects David’s strong belief that serving an apprenticeship provides the most solid of starts for life as an entrepreneur. He started his career as a 17-year-old apprentice draughtsman in Leeds and went on to set up a series of companies in the construction industry. David said: “When you get an apprenticeship, you gain some experience. And when you start working as a fully qualified tradesperson, you just don’t know where a career can take you. It’s about being enthusiastic, committed and having your eyes wide open to the possibilities of where you might go.” |
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Sports: The Hudson Foundation sponsors youth development officers at Bridlington Rugby Union FC. Youth membership has grown from 10 to more than 200 since we started the scheme, which promotes the values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. |
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Arts: The Hudson Foundation sponsors Remarkable Arts, a charity set up to help ensure that young people, including many with special educational needs, can experience the joy of making music with live events, sign language lessons and music-making resources. |
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Charities: The Hudson Foundation provides financial support to causes close to the hearts of Hudson Contract’s employees and customers who are taking part in fundraising activities. We make donations in recognition of their efforts. |
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Advocacy: The Hudson Foundation commissions leading academics to highlight the essential role of self-employed tradespeople in construction, to make sure their contribution is recognised by government and industry leaders. |
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Special circumstances: The Hudson Foundation provides financial support to families in times of need such as when an operative engaged by Hudson Contract is seriously injured or loses their life at work. We make donations to their loved ones. |
David and Lesley said: “We can see first-hand the need to support young people in getting a good start to their lives, families in times of need and the community in places like Bridlington. We can promise people more help through the Hudson Foundation.”
Watch David’s wide-ranging interview with Justine Greening about his formative years as an apprentice, the continued growth of Hudson Contract and his vision for the future.
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