Four Paws, Good People and the Value of Getting Involved

An unexpected partnership between ReformIT and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals shows what can happen when business relationships become something more.

When Lady B at the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) suggested that the charity’s money would be better spent on things with four paws and brown eyes than on IT support, she probably wasn’t expecting a free IT service to follow.

But that’s exactly what happened.

Sarah Smith, from ReformIT, took the comment back to colleague Neil, who agreed with her and offered to provide the support without charge. What started as a conversation through Opendoorz Cirencester has since developed into a relationship that has benefited both organisations, and quite a few people beyond them.

NFRSA is now in its second year as the Cirencester group’s supported charity. For Suzanne Steel, who joined the charity as its first employee, becoming part of Opendoorz has been an eye-opener.

Coming from a commercial consultancy background, Suzanne was familiar with networking. She expected a room of business people looking for their next opportunity. Instead, she found a community willing to share experience, offer advice and get involved.

And for a growing charity, that has made a real difference.

As NFRSA expanded, Suzanne found herself navigating everything from cybersecurity and HR to marketing and fundraising. Having experienced business owners around the table gave her people to turn to when unfamiliar challenges arose.

ReformIT’s support has strengthened the charity’s IT and email security, while other Opendoorz members have helped with HR advice, marketing, potential grant applications and fundraising activities.

When NFRSA needed additional events support, a member introduction even led to paid virtual-assistant assistance.

The generosity hasn’t been limited to professional expertise. Members have attended events, volunteered and helped raise awareness of the charity. ReformIT has booked an entire table at NFRSA’s Snowball.

And what about ReformIT?

Sarah originally wanted to strengthen the company’s relationships in Cirencester, building on its established presence in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

She’s certainly done that, but the unexpected benefits have been just as important.

Her confidence has grown, particularly when attending events independently. She’s developed friendships, discovered new opportunities and even seen her son Carl secure work experience through a connection made within the community.

More recently, a conversation about an apprentice’s partner who was interested in cybersecurity prompted Sarah to explore whether ReformIT could offer some practical industry exposure.

It’s a lovely example of how a relationship between two organisations can create opportunities for people neither originally set out to help.

Perhaps the most telling part of this story is Suzanne’s approach to being the group’s charity representative. Rather than simply asking members for donations, she’s invited them to become part of NFRSA’s journey. They understand the cause, know the people behind it and genuinely want to see it succeed.

And NFRSA gives something back. Suzanne brings her own experience, perspective and enthusiasm to the group, just as Sarah and the other members do.

That’s what makes this relationship work.

There are no grand claims about networking transforming lives overnight. Just good people showing up, getting to know one another and being generous with what they have to offer.

For Opendoorz, that’s the bit that matters. Business opportunities are welcome, of course, but the real value often turns up somewhere you weren’t looking.

Sometimes it’s a useful introduction. Sometimes it’s a new friendship.

And occasionally, it’s a little more money left in the pot for those four paws and brown eyes.