The ARISE Hatfield team is comprised of four partner organisations whose representatives, together with further independent parties form a committee. The committee meet once a quarter to review applications and award funding to their chosen initiatives.

THE PARTNERS/TRUSTEES

Indorama

Indorama Corporation is one of Asia’s leading chemical companies. Its origins trace back to 1975 with the start of Indorama Synthetics in Indonesia by its founder, M.L. Lohia, and his son, S.P. Lohia. Indorama Synthetics started as a cotton yarn spinning company. In 1991, the company diversified into the production of polyester fibres from petchem derivatives, and subsequently into the production of PET resins.

Tim Stirling – Trustee/Partner

Tim has a specialist background and experience in retail, marketing, sales, and property gained in blue chip companies in the UK, Europe and the United States. Previously within UK airports, and business development with The Discovery Channel, Tim joined the property market with a focus on Designer Factory Outlets in both the UK and Europe. Having gained a Diploma in Shopping Centre Management from the BCSC, Tim then went onto manage both McArthurglen and Land Securities shopping centres. In addition to awards achieved at The Galleria, Tim is also an active member of the British Council of Shopping Centres, ICSC and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Our aim is to provide a means of funding for initiatives that will go some way towards improving the quality of life for people living in Hatfield. In many instances groups or organisations are not looking for large amounts of money, but the level of help that we are able to provide can make a big difference.”

Gascoyne Estates

Managers of the estates owned by the Cecil family for over 400 years, including Hatfield House, Gascoyne Estates believe in delivering wider benefits for the community, through their work. This underpins their commitment to the support they provide to ARISE Hatfield.

Anthony Downs – Trustee/Partner

Anthony Downs is the Director of Planning and Development at Gascoyne Estates. Having worked in Hertfordshire for over twenty-five years, joining the Estate as Building & Development Manager in 2000, Anthony has driven regeneration of Old Hatfield, including work on the new Hatfield Railway Station, as well as the Estate’s engagement with the Council’s Local Plan process. 

Gascoyne Estates believe the places we build affect the kind of choices we can make about our lives, and that consideration of broad issues such as utilities, infrastructure and masterplanning are equally as vital as the quality of materials used on each building. As a long term landowner, the Estates believe therefore that development should afford an opportunity for local residents, businesses and local authorities to consider the kind of place we would like to live in in the future. 

“ARISE is a fantastic part of the social fabric in Hatfield. We have been proud to be involved with some truly important initiatives, such as the Hatfield Night Shelter, and are excited to continue working with the communities of Hatfield to ensure it remains a place in which we are all proud to live.”

Ocado Group

Ocado Group is a technology company transforming online grocery around the world through cutting-edge technology & automation, based in Hatfield. Support of ARISE Hatfield stems from the desire to positively contribute to communities where Ocado Group employees live and work.

Suzanne Westlake – Partner

Suzanne Westlake is Head of Corporate Responsibility and Corporate Affairs at Ocado Group. Suzanne leads the strategic direction and implementation of the company’s Corporate Responsibility strategy.  The pillars include; Natural Resources ensuring our impact on the environment is minimised as much as possible, Skills & Education increasing opportunities inside and outside the business and our Responsibly Sourcing pillar which includes our work on tackling human rights and modern slavery. 

Prior to joining Ocado in May 2014, Suzanne was Corporate Responsibility Manager, DHL UK for 8 years and before that BAA where she was Sustainability Manager.
Suzanne has a Degree and a Masters in Food & Nutrition and graduated from Warwick Business School with an MBA in 2003.

“Investing in communities is an integral part of Ocado Group. Partnering in ARISE has offered us opportunities to share our knowledge, experience and resources with the people of Hatfield and Hertfordshire.  We’re delighted to be part of this and look forward to it growing and continuing to prosper.”

OCS

OCS is one of the world’s foremost support services and construction companies based in Hatfield. They offer advice, design, construction, equipment, facilities management and frontline public services in the UK and overseas.

Tom Anderson – Partner

Tom has built his career in Facilities Management across multiple sectors including retail, industrial, residential and commercial offices.  Tom has most recently been working in Property Management alongside Property Owners and Asset Managers, supporting in the creation of short- and long-term strategies of their investments. Previously, Tom held a Senior role at an outsourced FM company providing a managed supply of local suppliers and services, gaining experience in end-to-end Facilities and Business Management.

“ARISE Hatfield is a great initiative giving opportunity for a range of people and organisation to apply for funding. I am proud and excited to be a part of Arise Hatfield supporting the local community and I look forward to supporting great causes.”

AL Marketing

We are an industry-leading team of strategic professionals and dynamic creatives with over 25 years of experience in destination marketing and place-making in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Alan Thornton – Trustee

Alan has worked at senior level within the retail destination sector for over 25 years, including international marketing roles at Clarks and Topshop – during their global expansion period. He’s also held senior director positions with property specialists Donaldsons and DTZ and worked with destination specialists, MindFolio. His brand portfolio includes Covent Garden Market, Carnaby and Whiteleys in the UK, plus Arena Plaza, Budapest; Centrum Galerie, Dresden; and Morocco Mall in Casablanca. Currently chair of the Solal Awards, he has played active roles within ICSC and REVO and co-authored the REVO guide to Marketing KPI’s and Evaluation.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The committee is made up of individuals from local companies who are independent of the board.  At its quarterly meetings the committee will consider all applications for funding and will vote upon them, taking into account details supplied on the application form and any other supporting materials that the applicant believes will support their case.

AMBASSADORS

WHCVS

WHCVS engage with the community providing assistance to residents through their community led initiatives.  They meet regularly with organisations to network, collaborate and help to provide strong community alliance in the borough and county. 

Carmen Dillon – Ambassador

Carmen started her role at the WHCVS in May 1994 and her initial goal was to stay with the organisation for a year but many years later she is still there.  Why? Because she liked the many challenges the organisation is presented with.   Prior to joining WHCVS, Carmen worked for Age UK for four years, indicating her experience in the non-profit sector and her commitment to serving the community.

Carmen has been through the organisation’s ups and downs over the years, demonstrating her resilience and ability to navigate challenges. One of the biggest highlights was two large lottery grants in 2002 and 2003.  Other achievements have been the Community Transport Scheme and setting up projects that are now charities in their own right including.

Carmen has been a trustee for many charities but currently only working with Potential Kids whom she has supported from its embryotic stage.

Carmen regularly consults with the community to explore and initiate new community initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots engagement and ensuring that WHCVS remains responsive to the need of the community.

Potential Kids

Potential Kids is an award-winning charity based in Hatfield which provides learning, social and sports opportunities to Neurodivergent children/young people (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome amongst other conditions).

Angela Gaughan – Ambassador

Potential Kids was founded by Angela Gaughan, a mum to an autistic son who realised that there was a great need for projects like this. She knows how hard it was to access activities for her son and wanted to make a difference by providing local support which encouraged and enabled our young people to learn, grow and achieve.  She is very proud to have some amazing volunteers, professionals and local organisations supporting her on this journey.