Investec expands commitment to rugby with school of hard knocks partnership

Investec, the leading financial services group and title sponsor of the Investec Champions Cup, today announces a three-year partnership with School of Hard Knocks (SOHK), a social inclusion charity that uses sport to teach valuable skills to underprivileged people; helping them to achieve out-of-the-ordinary results.

Through the partnership, Investec will provide participating children with career insights and development days. It will also support SOHK with strategic business mentorship to grow the charity, as it looks to expand and develop its programmes for underprivileged communities.

SOHK works with over 1,400 pupils across 30 schools in England, Scotland and Wales. Programmes combine rugby with specialist 1-1 mentoring and group sessions that explore a range of issues from emotional control and building resilience to ‘why school’ and planning for the best possible future.

These programmes highlight how rugby can act as a vehicle to deliver positive social change, combined with personal development and mentoring, and, as a result, enrich the lives of those living in underprivileged communities.

The announcement comes following the Investec School of Hard Knocks Girls rugby tournament, hosted at Eton Manor RFC, where more than 100 girls came together to compete and exemplify the core values of rugby both on and off the pitch.

Commenting on the partnership, Tim Burnell, Investec UK & International Chief Marketing Officer said, 

“At Investec, we are firmly rooted in our purpose to create enduring worth, and recognise the potential of grassroots sports-based programmes to deliver long-term and tangible benefits to  individuals and communities. Our partnership with the School of Hard Knocks will help us to play our part in levelling an uneven playing field. In time, we expect our partnership to bring about meaningful change, using rugby as a vehicle to support and develop our younger generations”.

Ken Cowen, SOHK Chief Executive Officer & Founder said,

“School of Hard Knocks is excited to embark on this transformative journey with Investec. Together we aim to reach even greater heights in unlocking the potential of our participants, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive both on and off the field. With Investec’s invaluable support, we are poised to expand our reach and deepen our impact, enriching the lives of many young people in underserved communities”.

In partnering with SOHK, it expands Investec’s commitment in rugby adding to its title partnership of the Investec Champions Cup.

 

  • For more information and media enquiries

    Lissy Williams, Wasserman (alicia.williams@teamwass.com / +447974037648)

    Alesha Bhakoo, School of Hard Knocks (alesha@schoolofhardknocks.org.uk / +447757467570)

    Emma Byrne, Investec (emma.byrne@investec.com / +447775657241)

  • Notes to Editors

    About Investec Bank plc

    Investec Bank Plc (‘Investec Bank’ or ‘IBP’) is the UK banking subsidiary of Investec, the international financial services group. Investec Bank partners with private, institutional and corporate clients, offering banking and investment services in the UK, Europe and certain other countries.

    Investec Bank also offers wealth management services through its strategic partnership with Rathbones Group, the UK’s largest discretionary wealth manager. Investec Bank has operated in the UK since 1992.

    As part of the Investec Group, Investec Bank is a purpose-driven organisation, dedicated to its core purpose of creating enduring worth. This means we will always strive to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to people, communities and the planet. It is the principal operating business of Investec Bank plc, a FTSE-250 listed company which holds the Investec Group’s non-Southern African businesses under a dual listed company structure.

    Further information can be found at www.investec.com.

     

    About School of Hard Knocks

    School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is a charity that exists to empower and support individuals who live in complex and challenging circumstances, working with young people aged 11-16 with the scope of their work expanding across the UK. The charity harnesses the power of rugby through its Schools Programme which supports over 1,200 pupils every week across England, Scotland and Wales, for up to three years.         

    Further information can be found at www.schoolofhardknocks.org.uk

About Investec

This press release is issued on behalf of Investec Bank plc. Registered address: 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QP. (Reg No. 489604). Investec Bank plc (Reg. no. 489604) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Investec Bank plc (‘IBP’) is the banking subsidiary of Investec plc. Investec plc is a FTSE-250 listed company which holds the Investec Group’s non-Southern African businesses under a dual listed company structure. IBP partners with private, institutional and corporate clients, offering banking and investment services in the UK, Europe and certain other countries.

IBP also offers wealth management services through its strategic partnership with Rathbones Group, the UK’s largest discretionary wealth manager. IBP has operated in the UK since 1992.

As part of the Investec Group, IBP is a purpose-driven organisation, dedicated to its core purpose of creating enduring worth. This means we will always strive to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to people, communities and the planet.