About Us
We are a small, self-funding, family run charity making a difference in the local community.
Changing lives
for the better
- Identify individuals who are ready for work
- Sourcing a suitable role and matching with a Business Building Futures (BBF) employer
- Ongoing mentoring and support for both employer and employee
We work with third sector organisations, who refer those ready to take the next step.
Taking the next step back into mainstream society.
• There are many organisations working with those with substance dependency or mental health issues ‘sweeping’ the streets daily signposting to the appropriate agency.
• We have a proactive relationship with many third sector organisations that are confident in referring suitable candidates directly to us.
• We match that individual with suitable employment from our membership of businesses.
We are the charity of choice for...
The Team
Andy Howarth LL.B (Hons)
CEO
Andy has a qualifying law degree from Leeds Beckett University.
A former police officer and detective of 30 years’ service, solicitors’ clerk, company director, business owner, philanthropic entrepreneur.
Hobbies: Supporting Leeds United AFC for the last 60 years, reading, and music (fanatical Beatles fan)
Helen Howarth
BBF Ambassador
Former sixth form pupil of Whitcliffe Mount Grammar School, and student at York Business College.
Previously employed in the Post Office counter service, First Direct Bank, HSBC, and joint founder and FD with Howarths Law.
Helen has lived all her life in Cleckheaton and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Hobbies: season ticket holder at Leeds United FC, interior design, reading, Chinese food, travel and music from George Michael to AC/DC, while also being a fabulous Nana to four grandkids.
Carl Hedley
Client Support Manager
Born and attended school in Leeds, Carl has been a jack of all trades, including serving in a fish and chip shop, milkman, hotel receptionist, working in a tannery, postman, and delivery driver.
Carl has been street homeless and is a recovering drug and alcohol addict.
Hobbies: music, spending time with his children and grandchildren, supporting Leeds United AFC. Favourite artists: Bruce Springsteen, Meatloaf and Neil Diamond.
Nathan Kirk BSc (Hons), PhD
Business Development Manager
Born in Bradford and a former pupil of Whitcliffe Mount School, Nathan has a BSc from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and is a Doctor of Philosophy in Cardiac Simulation from the University of Leeds.
He is a former company Owner/Director in the software development industry, running a leading online portal for the management of corporate health and safety compliance obligations.
Hobbies: supporting Leeds United AFC, golf, travel, music, and live concerts.
Stacey Vickers
Client Support Worker
Attended Carlton Primary School and Rodillian High School, Leeds.
Stacey has had a varied career path, including being a gym instructor, lifeguard, fitness instructor, Volunteer Dame Kelly Holmes, Alpha House and Touchstone, and organisations supporting the homeless.
Stacey is a level 2 fitness instructor, a level 1 swim teacher, a level 3 first aider, a volunteer of the year and sports volunteer of the year.
Stacey has herself been street homeless and is a recovering alcoholic.
Hobbies: supporting Leeds United/Leeds Rhinos, going on holiday, sleeping, and attending concerts. Favourite bands include Girls Aloud, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Skye Newman.
Lynne Haigh BSc (Hons)
Events Coordinator and Fundraiser
A former student at Northumbria University studying Criminology.
Upon graduation undertook a ski season in France before moving to London to work as a PA within several different industries, ranging from Private Equity to Property.
Lynne moved back “Up North” in 2014, and after having the first of her two children, worked at Huddersfield based Charity, Fresh Futures, within the Fundraising team.
Currently has a dual role as PA to the CEO at Howarths whilst working alongside the Foundation as Events Coordinator and Fundraiser.
Hobbies: Running, reading, jigsaws(!) and spending quality time with family. Does not support Leeds United.
Trustees
Amy Kent
Managing Director of Mandate Systems Ltd, Brighouse.
Jeremy Garside
LL.B (Hons) Partner/Solicitor Williams & Co.
Charlotte Geesin
LL.B (Hons) LLM, Solicitor, legal Director and Shareholder Howarths.
Tracey Hopkins
Finance Director, Shareholder, Howarths Chartered member of the CIPD, AAT qualified, Trustee.
Gavin Howarth
LL.B (Hons) Solicitor, Howarths, Managing Director.
Scott Leather
Operations Manger, Erris Homes.
Ambassadors
Peter Howarth
Ambassador
Peter Howarth is an English musician, who is the lead singer of the iconic English band the Hollies. Peter also has a career as a solo artist and appeared in the lead role of the Roy Orbison Story in London’s West End to critical acclaim. He has backed Sir Cliff Richard on many occasions, most recently at the Royal Albert Hall In 2014. He released the CD album Evermore featuring his acoustic version of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother". Peter is a massive supporter of The Howarth Foundation and has appeared at fund raising events in Huddersfield and produced the video featured on our website.
Jack Laugher
Ambassador
Jack Laugher MBE is a British, European, Commonwealth and World Champion diver who has won multiple gold silver and bronze medals and recently carried the flag at the 2022 Commonwealth Games on behalf of Team GB. Jack is a regular guest at The Howarth Foundation’s annual Music Extravaganza.
Lois Toulson
Ambassador
Lois Mae Toulson is a British diver. A specialist in the 10 metre platform, she won the gold medal at the inaugural European Games in 2015, and the senior European title 2017. She competed in the women’s synchronised ten metre platform event in 2016 summer Olympics with Tonia Couch. She won silver at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and is a muti gold silver and bronze medallist. Lois is a fantastic supporter of The Howarth Foundation attending and presenting at the charities annual Music Extravaganza.
Simon Grayson
Ambassador
Pictured here at one of our events with our Client Support Worker Carl Hedley, Simon Grayson is a football manager and former professional player. Born in Yorkshire, Simon has managed some of the top clubs in the region, including Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City.
Tanya Arnold
Ambassador
Tanya Arnold is a respected sports broadcaster and former presenter on BBC Look North, known for presenting the BBC’s Super League Show and championing women’s sport, especially rugby league.
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