This programme offers local businesses the unique chance to get up close to this remarkable building, and WSP Solicitors has become the first to join
As well as being a place of worship, a world-famous heritage site, an iconic landmark and a charity, Gloucester Cathedral has existed as a business for nearly 1,000 years, making it the oldest in the county. Now, the Cathedral has launched a new Corporate Partnership Programme, which offers other local businesses the chance to play a vital role in keeping this remarkable building open for all, for generations to come.
Joining the programme comes with a wide range of benefits for businesses, including the unique opportunity to attend exclusive events, host functions in some of the historic rooms and see behind-the-scenes of the Cathedral. WSP Solicitors, based locally in Stroud and Gloucester, has recently become the first member.
Silas Miller, Board Director and Head of Marketing and Business Development at WSP Solicitors, said:
“WSP Solicitors are truly excited to become the first organisation to join Gloucester Cathedral’s Corporate Partnership Programme. We are proud of our 260-year-long heritage and are pleased to form a partnership with an organisation that stretches back over 1,000 years. This scheme offers so many fantastic opportunities: we are looking forward to attending special events and getting to know this amazing space better, whilst supporting the Cathedral’s daily work. Becoming a corporate partner will also allow us to expand on our values as a ‘human’ business, having a greater impact on the community we serve.”
The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, added:
“Links with local businesses have always been crucial to the Cathedral’s life and mission, right back to when it existed as the Abbey of St Peter. We are delighted to be launching this new scheme, which will enable us to further develop those links and ensure that we can continue to be open as a welcoming space for all, for years to come. Our grateful thanks go to WSP Solicitors for their support.”
There are three corporate packages available: the ‘Canon’ package includes benefits such as inclusion in the Cathedral’s newsletter, discounts at The Monk’s Kitchen eatery and the Gift Shop, and opportunities to attend special events throughout the year. The ‘Dean’ package also includes complimentary hire of designated event spaces, as well as corporate volunteering opportunities and the chance to take part in a private tour of the Cathedral. The ‘Bishop’ package is bespoke and can be tailored to the needs of the partner.
This scheme is an opportunity for businesses to play a vital role in supporting the Cathedral, which welcomes around 400,000 visitors a year. As well as offering daily worship, world-class music and guided tours, Gloucester Cathedral has wide ranging impacts across the city, county and diocese. For example, over 2,000 individuals are supported through its learning, participation and outreach work, whilst nearly 12,500 people take part in its family friendly activities every year. The Cathedral also welcomes over 3,000 school children throughout the year, with over 700 young people accessing the very best musical education and tuition. By joining the Corporate Partnership Programme, businesses will play a part in enabling this work to continue and expand further still.
Businesses who are interested in joining the scheme are invited to get in contact with Liz Gough, the Cathedral’s Senior Development Officer, by emailing
