Construction and Infrastructure company Morgan Sindall has signed up to take part in St Andrew’s Hospice’s ‘You’re Hired’ fundraiser challenge, modelled on the hit BBC TV show, The Apprentice.

The Lanarkshire-based hospice – which is Morgan Sindall’s nominated charity for 2017 in Scotland – has devised the programme to encourage businesses to develop an idea that engages their employees, customers, supply chain and networks to raise as much money as possible for its Capital Appeal.

The appeal needs to raise £9 million to enable the hospice to reconfigure and refurbish its building, to make it fit for the future.

With categories open to small, medium and large companies, successful teams will develop their own fundraising ideas and events before the teams present their strategy, project and ultimately their fundraising total to the St Andrew’s Hospice judges in the autumn.

Stuart Parker, business development director for Morgan Sindall Scotland, said: “We have chosen the hospice as our charity this year simply because of the outstanding work they do. We have challenged ourselves to raise at least £20,000 and hope to go beyond that figure to help the hospice deliver this transformational project.

“Our team are beginning to develop ideas which we’ll implement over the spring and summer. We’re working up some fun events which will bring us together and raise much-needed funds. I’d encourage businesses of all sizes to take a look at the hospice’s website and sign up.”

All participating teams will be invited to take a table at a celebratory gala awards dinner in October hosted by the hospice where the best initiatives will be showcased and prizes awarded.

Lanarkshire Enterprise Services (LESL) are also partnering with St Andrews Hospice, and Marian Gardiner from LESL is particularly keen to promote it within small and medium sized businesses across Lanarkshire.

She said: “This provides a great way of encouraging young people who are currently undertaking a modern apprenticeship to develop projects aimed at supporting their community through fundraising and volunteering and at the same time enable them to develop skills which will improve their ability to grow their careers.

Louise Arthur, trust manager of the capital appeal, said: “We are delighted that Morgan Sindall has pledged its support to our fundraiser challenge. The appeal has gone very well so far as we have raised £4.8 million, meaning we are well on our way to reaching the £9 million mark.

“Morgan Sindall’s backing has been and will be absolutely key, and to have such a big company supporting us can only help our fundraising efforts going forward.”

Situated in the heart of Airdrie town centre, St Andrew’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people living with life-limiting illnesses from all over Lanarkshire.

www.st-andrews-hospice.com/fundraising/capital-appeal