Boost for Portland College from Mansfield finance firm

Shaw Financial Services, an independent mortgage broker, has teamed up with the college to tempt new customers to leave a review about the firm on its website.

For every review that is posted, Shaw will make a donation of £25 to the college, based in Harlow Wood, off Nottingham Road in Mansfield.

The company has already donated £375, and it is hoped this will be the first of many monthly awards to help the “excellent work the college does with young people under their care and guidance”.

Lewis Shaw, founder of the firm, said: “I am so pleased to be able to give something back to such a fantastic organisation.

"I have always felt that local businesses should help out the community in any way possible because it’s that local community which helps them to grow.

"It is a virtuous circle that benefits everyone.”

Portland College, which opened in 1950, helps disabled people develop their independence and community skills, and turns them into suitable candidates for jobs.

The money from Shaw will help funding for the renovation of its Newstart Hall, which was built in the 1950s and is now undergoing a major £1.65 million facelift.

In an innovative project, the hall will be transformed into a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art theatre and sports hall, with coffee shop, that will make it the central hub of the college.

Anna Ashton, marketing executive at the college said: “During the Covid crisis, we have not been able to host our usual fundraising events, such as the food and crafts market and Christmas market.

"So we are very grateful to Lewis’s company for supporting our fundraising campaign for the Newstart sports hall. We have now reached the £1.5 million mark in our target

"Building work on the hall started last September, and it is due to open this summer.”

When finished, the hall will become a hive of activities, events and education programmes for the college’s learners and also community groups. Its focus will be on sports and performing arts.