Members participated in NFU Energy’s recent ‘Renew your energy and help save lives’ buying group to secure funds for two charities that offer life-saving support in rural communities.
NFU Energy worked in partnership with Yü Energy who faciliated the funds.
The buying group allowed NFU Energy to combine the bargaining power of NFU, NFU Cymru and NFU Scotland to negotiate exclusive bulk prices, giving members a chance to save on their gas or electricity renewals while also making a difference.
The Air Ambulance Service (covering Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland) and the Cornwall Air Ambulance split the proceeds equally, receiving £2,500 each.
“The level of participation shows how powerful collective action can be.”
NFU Energy Assistant Director and Head of Utility Contract Sales Joshua Robinson
Successful partnership
NFU Energy’s campaign saw Yü Energy contribute towards a collective donation for every eligible contract renewed through the scheme.
NFU Energy Assistant Director and Head of Utility Contract Sales Joshua Robinson said: “Thank you to everyone who got involved and to Yü Energy, who understood what we wanted to achieve and helped bring this idea to life.”
Yü Energy Sales Director Chris Broadbent said: “We’re proud to have partnered with NFU Energy to support the air ambulance charities through this campaign.
“Together we enabled customers to make a real difference through their energy choices, helping fund faster, life-saving medical responses when they are needed the most.
“This campaign shows how businesses and communities can work together to power a better future, and we thank everyone who played a part in making a meaningful impact.”
NFU Energy is “excited” to build on this success, Joshua said, with future campaigns and support for air ambulance charities in more regions of the UK.
Important cause for farmers
The scheme not only highlights NFU Energy’s ongoing commitment to delivering value for its customers but to supporting causes that matter to the agricultural community.
Joshua said: “We are proud to support the life-saving work of air ambulance charities on behalf of the farmers who took part in this buying group.
“This is a cause that came about from consultation with our farmers and resonates strongly across rural communities. The level of participation shows how powerful collective action can be.”
Air ambulances provide rapid access to emergency specialist medical care in remote locations – a vital safety net for farmers.
A Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter and crew and an Air Ambulance Service helicopter. Photograph: Cornwall Air Ambulance/NFU Energy
Donations will make ‘life-saving difference’
“Farming is a key part of our community, and so is the need for rapid critical care,” said Cornwall Air Ambulance Corporate Partnerships Manager Julia Jeffery when speaking about the “incredible” donation.
“Thank you for helping to make a lifesaving difference and ensuring that together, we can be there for someone’s tomorrow.”
Sally Newman, community fundraising executive from The Air Ambulance Service, said: “Despite one-in-four people knowing someone who needed the help of an air ambulance, very few people realise that we are charities that receive no NHS funding and rely on public generosity.
“Helicopters, and rapid response vehicles, take doctors and paramedics to patients in the fastest time possible, and in an accident at a rural location that time saved can make all the difference to a patient’s chance of survival.
“That’s why we are incredibly grateful for this donation and the support of NFU members.”
