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We are able to do this only because of the shrewd and entrepreneurial family that has gone before us. Those who worked hard to make a difference in their local communities. There have been coal mines in Swansea in the 19th century and local newspapers in Halifax and on the Isle of Man in the 20th century as well as Moat Builders Merchants across the North of England.
In this century the main family business is a textile recycling factory in Lancashire. Our entrepreneurial family history means we are delighted to be able to support young social enterprises who are very much at the start of their journey.
Growing up, our grandmothers had a huge influence on us. Granny Macaulay was a fine Christian woman and was on the committee that set up a Christian retreat, the Scargill Community, in the Yorkshire Dales. This retreat is still offering calmness and peace today.
Granny Moat was a loyal Methodist whose husband died when she was in her 50s – but she never complained about her (much reduced) lot – she was always cheerful and kind.
Thanks to their influence, we’re delighted to be able to donate to charities, social enterprises and churches that want to make a difference and build communities in their area. Any grants given in this sector will be in the memory of these two fine women who had such a big influence on our lives.
We never imagined we would ever set up a charity but 13 years ago we did. My wife, Kate, and I have a son, James. He is on the autistic spectrum. When James was growing up, we found the assessment and diagnosing process very lonely and stressful. It was then that we vowed we would try (if we ever had the energy and means) to start a charity to support families in positions like ours.
I’m pleased to report that a few years down the line, in 2010, Sky Autism Support was born. It has had a huge influence on us and the families it supports. Seeing the difference Sky Autism Support has made drove us to establish The Macaulay Moat Foundation in memory of our family members who so passionately built loving communities.
Through the foundation we hope to be able to support other ordinary people who might want to do the same.