Stepping up by dressing down: Bloor Homes helps build hope in Northampton
Northampton-based developer Bloor Homes has been collecting donations from staff at the regional head office who chose to ‘dress down’ on the last Friday of each month for the last year and has raised more than £370 for local charity Northampton Hope Centre.
The initiative is just one way Bloor Homes has supported the charity over the last 12 months; last autumn, three members of staff ran the Amazing Northampton Run, completing the half marathon and raising £1065.
More recently in December 2025, the developer hosted collection points at all seven of its developments in the South Midlands region for staff and residents to contribute essential items and groceries. The donations requested by the Hope Centre included items such as tea, coffee, sugar and selection boxes, and toothbrushes, shaving foam and deodorant.
Chris Potter from Northampton Hope Centre, said: “Dress down Friday is such a great idea! We’re really grateful to Bloor Homes for all their support over the last year in so many different ways. Even the smallest donation amount can make such a difference to the local people who come to us for help and support each week.”
Northampton Hope Centre welcomes more than 12,000 visitors each year who are facing poverty and homelessness and provides help to them via a mix of practical help, emotional support and training. The aim is to improve both their lives and opportunities.
Last year Chris and the team served over 35,000 meals to those in need and delivered more than 40,000 food parcels.
Carl Slater, Regional Managing Director for Bloor Homes’ South Midlands, said: “We wanted a way for staff who perhaps can’t run a half marathon to get involved with fund raising. Alongside the Christmas donations, we found small and consistent contributions each month in return for dressing down at work on a Friday was really popular with our teams.
“Having listened to Chris about the people who come to the Centre for help, we know that every donation, no matter how big or small, goes to ensuring he and the team can continue this really important work.”
The Hope Centre is seeking other local businesses, community groups and schools to partner with and has a dedicated page on its web site to inspire fundraising ideas, ways to volunteer or initiate an essential items collection. To find out more visit northamptonhopecentre.org.uk