Hendy Foundation Strengthens Board With New Appointments

Hendy Foundation, the charitable organisation affiliated with the family-run Hendy car dealer network, has expanded its Board of Trustees, welcoming new members to maximise its fundraising efforts in support of local projects, people, events and charitable organisations.

The new trustees bring a wide range of expertise, strengthening the Board in areas including business partnerships, charity engagement, communications, finance and fundraising.

Following its latest round of funding in late 2025, the Foundation awarded grants totalling more than £61,000 to support over 50 non-profit organisations. With a fundraising target of £90,000 set for 2026, achieving this goal would take the total amount donated by the Foundation since its launch in 2018 to more than £500,000.

Joining the Board as Business Relationship Trustee is Simon Palmer, who worked at Hendy Group for over 40 years before retiring in 2025. Simon will focus on developing and maintaining business and supplier partnership fundraising. He is joined in this role by Kayleigh Smith, Group Procurement Manager at Hendy Group, who will work alongside Simon to oversee these business fundraising initiatives. Kevin Fisher, Process Engagement Lead at Hendy Group, has been appointed Charity Relationship Trustee and will support ongoing relationships with charities that have received grant funding from the Foundation.

Claire Bradley has also been appointed Charity Relationship Trustee, working alongside Kevin Fisher. Claire works within Hendy Group as a Talent and Resourcing Partner. Ruby Barrett joins the Board as Social Media Trustee, supporting the promotion of the Foundation’s work to colleagues, customers and business partners.

From January 2026, Tim Porter, who has been recruited externally, has taken on the role of Finance Support Trustee, assisting the Treasurer with due diligence and financial oversight. Lucy Thornton joins as a General Trustee, bringing experience in events and fundraising from her existing charitable experience, whilst working within Hendy Group as Group Reward and Payroll Manager.

Rebecca Hendy, one of the founding trustees, will continue as Chairperson of Hendy Foundation, retaining responsibility for the Foundation’s leadership and strategic direction. Christine Drew remains Treasurer and enters her fifth year in the role, continuing to oversee financial governance and stewardship. Mike Weatherston has been appointed Vice Chairperson and Colleague Relationship Trustee. Having previously served as a trustee with a general remit, Mike now holds a defined role focused on colleague engagement across the Hendy Group.

Rebecca Hendy, Chairperson of Hendy Foundation, said:

“The appointment of new trustees strengthens the Board, bringing invaluable skills and experience. The refreshed team will support our ambition to grow the Foundation’s reach and ensure we can continue to make a meaningful difference."

"With our new Board in place, we have set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target of £90,000 in 2026, which would mean we will have raised over half a million pounds and supported more than 400 local charities and community projects since 2018.”

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