HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
How it all began
We are a charity that believes consumers, charities and companies can thrive together. Our range of products help raise much needed funds for UK based charities, schools and community groups.
Founded in 2006 by four Hertfordshire Dads who agreed to use their different business skills to benefit charities and schools rather than profits for shareholders. Since then, we’ve grown to become a larger team with an excellent mix of skills but with a passion to champion the thousands of causes that are part of our “Giving” nation.
Meet The Team
FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Richard Morris
Richard is a co-founder and Chief Executive of the charity. He’s a successful entrepreneur in business and technology both in the UK and USA and wanted to leverage technology for good with his co-founders. He manages TheGivingMachine strategy, development programme, leads major projects and business development. He also consults for businesses wanting to adopt a more people, planet, profit culture.
In his personal time, Richard enjoys life messing about with his family, technology, table tennis, a bit of PC gaming and mentoring his dog, Sid, to be more productive.
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Luisa Gatward
Our Head of Operations, Luisa is responsible for the smooth running of all operations including marketing, retailer, partner and cause relationships. Having started working for TheGivingMachine in 2010, Luisa has seen our Charity grow and continuously develop. Out of work, Luisa is a keen runner and loves reading and spending time with her family and friends.
GIVING DIRECTOR – NEW TECHNOLOGY
Nicola Chowings Thomas
As Technology Director Nicola manages our overall technology strategy and all new technology and development projects within the team and she ensures the ‘machine’ keeps running for all our supporters, causes and businesses. Nicola is also an active IT consultant within the charity sector and works hard to help as many charities as she can on their digital journey. Out of work you’ll find Nicola swimming, running or walking her 2 crazy Labradors – Hobson and Red.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS & MARKETING SUPPORT
Louise Wardlaw
Louise looks after our customer enquiries. A mum to two girls, who keep her busy! In her spare time she goes to the gym and loves spending time with friends and family.
Administrator
Michelle Logli
Michelle supports the team with all aspects of administration and manages some of our social media platforms. With a background in healthcare, Michelle has a passion for helping others. A mum of one human and one fur baby, she enjoys spending time with her family, long dog walks in the countryside, and writing.
FOUNDER, GIVING DIRECTOR - FINANCE
Jonathan Bayly
Jonathan is a co-founder and our Finance Director (former Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland). Jonathan is married with two grown up children and loves to swim, act and sing as well as playing golf and tennis.
Volunteer
Sid
Sid's main role is to bark whenever the door goes, anyone comes in or out of the work-space or anything unexpected happens. He is an unbelievably cheeky chappie.
Volunteer
Hobson
Hobson’s main role is to be the Yoga master of the group. Always relaxed and largely horizontal he takes everything in his stride/sleep. When not mastering downward facing dog he likes to try and escape the chaos that is his niece Red by hiding under Nicola’s desk!
Volunteer
Red
Red’s main role is to take a noisy drink and jump up whilst Nicola is on calls. When not disrupting/entertaining the team on calls, she likes to chase her Uncle Hobson and force him to play with her. She’s adorable and she knows it!
Volunteer
Stanley
Stanley’s main role is to demand attention at all times, eat, sleep, and repeat. Oh and to be super cute which comes naturally!