Investment manager and SIPP provider Redmayne Bentley is celebrating its 145-year anniversary by funding the training and support of 145 Samaritans volunteers for a year.

The Leeds-based firm says in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic it felt the move was appropriate as the firm’s anniversary is on the same day as International Volunteer Day.

David Loudon, joint chief executive, said the firm had marked its anniversary annually but wanted to do something different this year to recognise that 2020 has been a very challenging year for many.

He said: “Over the years we have celebrated the firm’s heritage, as we are doing today, but importantly this year we want to recognise that 2020 has been an extremely difficult and challenging year for many people, organisations and charities. We have chosen to support the Samaritans as they offer support for anyone who’s in need, whenever they need it.

“More than ever this year, we have been mindful of the importance of positive mental wellbeing for our colleagues, our clients and their families and our wider community, and our main focus during this pandemic has been the safety and wellbeing of our teams, clients and their loved ones.  We may not currently be able to meet one another face to face but thanks to modern technology we are able to keep connected, collaborate, and check in on each other.”

The firm’s staff have adapted to the pandemic well, he said, but he recognised many had not.

Sam Gale, corporate account manager for the Samaritans, said: “Thank you so much to everyone at Redmayne Bentley for this wonderful donation. These uncertain, challenging times have been affecting everyone’s mental health and Samaritans have been providing emotional support round the clock.

“Since the pandemic began, we have been providing support over 7,000 times a day to people struggling with issues such as loneliness, domestic violence, money worries, unemployment and anxiety. The donation will enable us to continue to be there round the clock for anyone struggling to cope.”

Redmayne Bentley was set up in 1875 by John Redmayne and it is now one of the UK’s largest independently-owned investment management firms.

The firm provides a range of investment services to individuals, families, charities and trusts as well as financial and other professional advisers.

• The Samaritans provides round-the-clock support to people who are suicidal or struggling to cope on Tel: 116 123 or via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..