Wilmslow-based Sapphire Accounting is helping to fund apprenticeships at Seashell Trust.

The accountancy firm is transferring 10 per cent of its apprenticeship levy to the Cheadle Hulme charity to enable it to fund more apprenticeships for existing and new staff.

Any business can gift up to 10 per cent of their overall levy to another business as it is a ‘use it or lose it’ tax.

It is estimated only eight per cent of the total £1.28bn paid over the last 12 months has been used so there is a huge opportunity for companies to transfer their levy to charities.

Maria McGrath, Learning and Development Manager at Seashell Trust, said: “We are so grateful to Sapphire Accounting for their generosity and such a forward-thinking CSR strategy.

“At the moment we have 47 people signed up to apprenticeships and are committed to ensuring our staff have the best opportunities for career development.

“But as a charity we just don’t have the budget to offer apprenticeships to everyone who would benefit so this money will really change the lives of local people.”

Sapphire is also planning a whole host of fundraising activities over the next year including the Manchester 10K, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and payroll giving to raise money for the profoundly disabled children and young people that are cared for and educated by Seashell Trust.

Mark Connor, Managing Director at Sapphire Accounting, said: “We are delighted to partner with Seashell Trust, a local charity which our staff voted overwhelmingly to support.

“The work that Seashell Trust do to make a significant difference to children and young people’s lives is truly inspiring and everyone at Sapphire is really proud to support such a great cause.”

If your business has unused money in the levy pot that you would be willing to transfer to benefit a local charity, contact wendy.bray@seashelltrust.org.uk or call her on 0161 610 0168.