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Help us repair our heating

As 2024 draws to a close, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the current ‘state of affairs’ here at your Tech. We have good news … and bad.

Let's start with the bad news...

Our amazing Grade II listed building suffered another flood last week. The central heating pipe running across the ceiling in our foyer burst for the second time. Water cascaded into the foyer and the workshop below, damaging equipment and soaking Sally, our manager … on her birthday! We are using dehumidifiers and freestanding heaters to help get the building fully functioning again, but room bookings have been affected and we are keen not to lose any customers.

The insurance will cover the cost of repair but not the cost of the much-needed replacement of the old cast iron heating system. And so, today, we are launching a formal appeal to raise £250,000 to restore your Tech back to its former glory. 

You can find more details including pictures, along with details of how you can donate, please click to donate:

We desperately need your financial support now, please help.

Looking at trading...

the first half of 2024 was promising, the third quarter was steady, but the periods leading up to Christmas and into the New Year are quieter than we anticipated. On this trajectory, we would expect to make a small trading loss by the end of March. However, we have:

  • Overcome the major challenges of Covid and the increases in energy charges
  • Been steadily building up room use 
  • Fully booked all the rooms available for business rental 
  • A steady income from Barclays.  

So what are we going to do about it in 2025

THE GOOD NEWS

In addition to our appeal, the Board of Directors has approved a new marketing plan, that will ensure profitable monthly trading and highlight new sponsorship and funding opportunities. 

It’s 3 core components are:

  • ‘TECH PARTNER’ PROGRAMME to raise funds from businesses and individuals, that offers reciprocal benefits
  • VOLUNTEER RETENTION & RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME that demonstrates how much we value the time and effort our volunteers provide
  • TECH-BRANDED ACTIVITY PROGRAMME including monthly Quiz Nights and the launch of a Victorian Tea Room, in the Spring.

 

Everything we do is focussed on the serving our local community. We are producing an A4 Leaflet that showcase these plans, you’ll receive this at the beginning of January. 

In the meantime, we need your financial support to kick start our repair, refurbishment and 2025 marketing plans.

A one-off donation before Christmas would be greatly appreciated and valued – you may receive tax relief on anything you give, and the Tech would obtain an additional 25% from the Gift Aid scheme.

Don’t forget, this is your Tech, you can donate, by following this link: