Exciting plans for 2023...

Hi Everyone & Happy New Year! (How late into January can you keep saying that!?) We’re really excited to see what this year has to offer for the BECBC Shadow Board; with new members, new projects and lots of exciting plans!?

So, welcome to our first?newsletter?of 2023!?

Firstly, we'd like to introduce BECBC's chosen charity of the year - The Freedom Project . We are really pleased to be supporting them and here’s what they had to say:

“We are grateful to BECBC for choosing The Freedom Project as your Charity of the Year! We really appreciate your support and are looking forward to working with you! The Freedom Project is now in its 25th?year of operation and supports over 500 people per year in Cumbria, breaking the cycle of domestic abuse and helping victims and children recover from the trauma they have experienced and move on with their lives.

We need to raise over ￡400,000 per year to continue to offer our much-needed service and we are entirely funded by grants and public donations, so it is only thanks to our supporters like you that we are able to hep as many people as we do, so a huge thank you from all us at the Freedom Project and the people who use our service.”?

One of the ways in which the BECBC Shadow Board are supporting them is through our upcoming social!?Bingo Bonaza?is on Friday 10th March at Workington Cricket Club and we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible - bring your colleagues, friends, families (Over 18 only!) for our spring social! See the previous LinkedIn posts for details on how to book your tickets! (We're also looking for raffle prizes - if you can support please contact our fabulous Socials lead Olivia Winter )

?As part of our?newsletter?we would also love to share some tips and tricks; this time some financial?tips for 2023 from Arran Pamphilon our newest Shadow Board member and Financial Advisor at? Stan Sherlock Associates Ltd .

?1) Create a budget: If you don't already have a budget, now is the time to create one. A budget can help you understand where your money is going each month and identify areas where you may be able to cut back.

2) Pay off debt: Do you have high-interest debt? Make a plan to pay it off as quickly as possible. This could include consolidating your debt or negotiating lower interest rates.

3) Build up your emergency fund: It's a good idea to have at least three to six months of living expenses saved in case of emergencies. If you don't have an emergency fund, make it a priority to start one.

4) Increase your Investments: Are you saving enough for your future through your Pension Scheme(s) and/or ISA? If not, consider increasing your contributions.

5) Review your insurance coverage: Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your needs, including life, health, and home insurance. Review your coverage to make sure it meets your needs and consider shopping around for better rates.

Thank you Arran for the great tips!

Another big focus for us this year is Sustainability and while we keep planning what we can put on, we would love to hear what you think!?

?What does sustainability mean to you? What would you like to see from the BECBC Shadow Board in terms of sustainability this year? Let us know in the comments!

?Best wishes from everyone at the Shadow board for 2023!