Charles Bentley raises more than £2,000 for Dementia UK and announces 2026 charity partner

Leading outdoor living and home retailer, Charles Bentley, is delighted to announce it has raised more than £2,000 for Dementia UK through a year of employee-led fundraising, while also announcing Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary as its chosen charity partner for the year ahead.

Between May 2025 and April 2026, colleagues across Charles Bentley's three UK sites came together to raise funds for Dementia UK through a packed calendar of fundraising activities, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to supporting causes that matter to its employees and local communities.

Throughout the year, staff organised and participated in a variety of events including the popular Great Bentley Bake Offs, where homemade treats were sold and enjoyed to raise money, with Managing Director James Bentley judging the winning entries at each site. Employees also enjoyed a company-wide summer barbecue and raffle at the business’ Monarch Way headquarters, alongside a Halloween-themed food fundraiser, and festive Christmas jumper competitions held across all three of its locations.

The fundraising forms part of Charles Bentley's long-standing community initiative, which sees employees nominate and vote for the charity they would like the business to support each year. During a dedicated company event, colleagues put forward local and national causes before casting their votes, ensuring the chosen charity reflects the passions and interests of the wider team and encouraging greater participation throughout the fundraising calendar.

Following this year's employee vote, Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary has been selected as the company's charity partner for the coming year.

Located in Leicestershire, the independent sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need since 1986. Caring for a wide range of companion and farm animals, Redgate Farm provides a safe haven where animals receive specialist care before finding loving new homes wherever possible. As a charity, it relies heavily on donations, volunteers and community fundraising to continue its vital work.

James Bentley, Managing Director at Charles Bentley, said: "Supporting charities has always been an important part of who we are at Charles Bentley, but what makes our fundraising programme particularly special is that it's entirely driven by our team. Every year, we bring colleagues together at a company event where they can nominate and vote for the charity they'd like us to support next. Giving our team that choice makes the partnership much more personal, as they're fundraising for a cause they genuinely care about, and it creates a real sense of shared purpose across all three of our sites throughout the year.

"We're incredibly proud to have raised more than £2,000 for Dementia UK through a fantastic range of events. The enthusiasm our colleagues bring to every event is what makes these initiatives such a success, and it's always inspiring to see everyone getting involved.

"Following this year's employee vote, we're delighted to be supporting Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary. As an East Midlands based organisation, Redgate Farm does incredible work rescuing and caring for animals in need, and we're passionate about supporting charities that make a real difference within the local community. We're looking forward to working with Redgate Farm over the coming year and hope our fundraising efforts will help them continue the invaluable work they do for vulnerable animals across the region."

For Charles Bentley, supporting charitable organisations remains an important part of its wider business values, bringing colleagues together through shared experiences while making a meaningful difference to worthwhile causes. By placing employees at the heart of the charity selection process, the company continues to foster a culture of collaboration, community involvement and giving back - principles that have underpinned the family business since it was founded in Loughborough more than 165 years ago.

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.