How the npower Business Solutions Foundation is driving meaningful change

Catherine Turner,  Digital Marketing, Website and Applications Manager, at npower Business Solutions (nBS), shares her journey and passion for giving back, as well as the incredible impact of the nBS Foundation.

Launched in 2024, The npower Business Solutions (nBS) Foundation has celebrated its first anniversary, marking a year of meaningful community support. In just 12 months, the foundation has awarded £2.8 million to 89 projects, making a significant difference across communities in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

This funding has helped local charities, empowered young people with new opportunities, and advanced sustainability efforts by supporting carbon reduction initiatives. Committed to continuing this momentum, nBS has announced an additional £5 million in funding for the foundation—raising its total investment to £10 million and reinforcing its dedication to long-term, positive change.

Read on to learn more about Catherine’s inspiring work and the stories behind this transformative initiative.

Can you provide us with a bit of background around your role and npower Business Solutions career?

I initially joined npower Business Solutions (nBS) in 2001, where I spent 14 years, before stepping away from the energy industry to serve as Head of Marketing for a foundation based in Birmingham. In 2023, I returned to nBS and I'm currently the Digital Marketing, Website and Applications Manager.

While I was excited to rejoin the business, I found myself missing the sense of purpose and connection that came from ‘giving back’ in my previous role. When the nBS Foundation was launched, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to channel both my professional experience and my personal desire to support projects that truly make a difference.

Being involved with the foundation has been a deeply fulfilling experience — it’s not just about creating stronger and more sustainable environments, but about knowing that I’m helping bring real, positive change to local people’s lives.

It feels incredibly rewarding to know that we’re playing a part in building a brighter future for communities.

How and why did the npower Business Solutions Foundation originate?

The nBS Foundation was created as a way for us to give back and make a meaningful difference in the communities where nBS operates. We recognised that, as a business, we have a unique opportunity to support and contribute to local initiatives that align with our values and contribute to community development.

We launched in April 2024 and to date we have received over 500 applications and awarded over £2.8 million in funding to projects across the Midlands and West Yorkshire areas.

What are you specifically looking for in terms of outcomes or contributions from the initiative?

We are specifically looking for outcomes that demonstrate a clear, positive impact on the local area, with a focus on long-term benefits. This could include measurable improvements in environmental practices, developing skills for employment, improving surroundings, increasing access to opportunities, or innovations that address local challenges.

Ultimately, we want initiatives that not only deliver immediate results but also contribute to the long-term growth and wellbeing of the community, encouraging enduring positive change.

How is the nBS Foundation identifying and selecting the communities or organisations to support?

The nBS Foundation is designed to support not-for-profit and educational institutions located within a 50-mile radius of our Leeds and Solihull offices.

Eligible organisations can apply for funding to support projects that align with our core goals, which include:

• Decarbonising and safeguarding our world
• Fostering the growth of responsible businesses
• Promoting social innovation
• Championing local skills and employment

We’ve put together video guides and FAQ’s on our nBS Foundation webpage to help support any organisations who are interested in applying.  We also work with Charis, who administer the nBS Foundation funds and co-ordinate the application and fulfilment process on our behalf.

What are you hoping to achieve in the Solihull and Leeds communities?

We aim to make a tangible and lasting impact in the Midlands and West Yorkshire areas by supporting projects that address critical challenges and create positive change. Ultimately, we want to empower these communities to thrive—economically, socially, and environmentally—while creating a legacy of sustainability and resilience.

Can you describe how you feel about supporting local communities in just three words?

Hopeful, inspired, meaningful.

What types of projects tend to stand out or have the best chance of being successful?

We’ve been fortunate to support a diverse range of projects across both regions, including community cafés that serve as vital lifelines, recycling initiatives, youth training and skills programmes, housing retrofit projects, decarbonisation measures, rehabilitation programs, beekeeping, and food and baby banks. While not every application is successful, we carefully consider each project’s impact, sustainability, innovation, reach, and the number and type of beneficiaries.

Projects that stand out are those that demonstrate clear, long-term benefits and a creative approach to addressing local needs. We also highly value applications that include a video, as it helps the panel better visualise the project and its potential, adding a personal narrative to the initiative.

What metrics or criteria will be used to measure the success of these projects?

Each funded project is required to submit an end-of-project report, which outlines the outcomes, achievements, and benefits realised. This report also includes feedback on the application process and testimonials from those impacted by the project. We aim to incorporate these insights into our nBS Foundation Impact Report, highlighting the success of the projects we’ve supported and the positive impact they’ve had on local communities.

We have visited multiple funded projects across the Midlands and in Leeds, and it was incredibly inspiring to witness firsthand the impact the funding has had on both the projects and the people they serve. Meeting not just the passionate project leaders but also the community members who benefit directly from these initiatives was a heartwarming and emotional experience, reinforcing how our funding is helping to sustain and grow projects like these.

We’re excited to share more of these stories this year, to highlight the amazing work being done by these projects and the positive difference it’s making in people’s lives.

Looking ahead and building a brighter future

The nBS Foundation is a testament to the profound difference businesses can make when they focus on giving back. Catherine’s insights highlight the foundation’s dedication to supporting meaningful projects that create lasting change. From decarbonisation initiatives to community cafés, these efforts showcase the power of partnership and purpose.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to share more success stories and continue building a legacy of sustainability and resilience.

At E.ON, we’re not just energising businesses — we’re energising communities for a brighter tomorrow.