HRH Duke of York visits AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in Slough

AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints business welcomed His Royal Highness the Duke of York to their offices in Slough on Monday, April 13.

The Duke’s visit came about as a result of AkzoNobel’s involvement with The Outward Bound Trust, of which he is a Patron. The Company has supported The Outward Bound Trust for 12 years and enabled 851 young people to attend an Outward Bound course. It has recently signed a new three year agreement which will see it give £100,000/yr to support The Trust’s activities. Its involvement also spans a range of activities including additional fund-raising, alongside an employee mentoring scheme which sees staff link up with schools to support students.

Over the past two years, AkzoNobel has raised over £287,000, generated by fundraising activities from participation in the Let’s Colour cycle rides and sales of paint stirrers through Dulux Decorator Centres. The funds raised by AkzoNobel have significantly contributed towards the major transformation of the new Ullswater Outward Bound Trust Centre in the Lake District.

Matt Pullen, Managing Director at AkzoNobel said: "We were delighted to receive His Royal Highness at our Slough offices and very proud that our work with The Outward Bound Trust and young people has received this recognition. The work that The Trust does with children is so important in helping them develop confidence, skills and a more positive outlook. Each of our mentors has found the experience to be exceptionally fulfilling, and we hope the relationship with The Outward Bound Trust will continue for many years.”

This year, AkzoNobel will be raising more funds for The Outward Bound Trust, with 150 employee and customer cyclists taking part in the London Revolution in May, and through the City3Peaks, which will see three individuals abseil the iconic Cheesegrater, Gherkin and Walkie Talkie buildings in the City of London on 7 September.