Name of Business – Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation
Who are you? Michelle Byrne – Marketing Manager for the Charity.
What sets you apart from the competition? – There is no other charity in the UK that does what we do, we are committed to addressing the root cause of conflict and violence, working to find solutions through dialogue and education. We work with schools, colleges, police, councils, communities, and corporate companies.
How did the business come about? It was established in memory of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, who tragically lost their lives in the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington town centre.
What are your main target markets? Our target market is corporate companies, schools, councils, and community groups, police commissioners.
How long has your business been in existence? 28 years this year. which was our 30th Anniversary of the Warrington Bombing.
How many staff do you employ? 11 full time and we also have associates who carry out our work throughout the UK and Internationally.
What job or achievement makes you most proud? It must be working here at the Foundation, the life-changing work that we do in schools, and the support work we provide for victims and survivors of violent conflict. We work closely with those affected and offer emotional support and counselling services to them and their families.
Where do you see the business being in five years? We continuously re-evaluate our programmes to reflect the emerging and/or changing needs in addressing extremism, violence, and anti-social behaviour across our society and in our schools. We focus on removing or minimising the risks posed to young people and adults arising from societal and political violence and we work with law enforcement and government agencies to share insights and expertise related to preventing extremism, violence, and terrorism. We contribute to policy discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing the root cause of violence.
Tell us one interesting thing about the business that might surprise us? There has been a significant shift in the focus of our work with schools, councils and police forces which are facing increasingly extreme violence from children as young as 5 years of age, children whose parents lead chaotic lives and the often seriously deprived environment in which they live. So, we must address emerging issues and help class teachers and Head Teachers maintain order in the classroom.
Tell us one interesting thing about you that people might not know? (ie, hobbies, amusing fact, etc) - I worked in sport before moving to the charity, I’ve worked for Man Utd, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors!