Category: Parklane Foundation

On Thursday 6th November 2025, we welcomed over 200 guests to the Howard Suite at Headingley Stadium for our Annual Parklane Foundation Dinner. Each year, this special evening gives us the chance to come together as a community, celebrate the incredible work of our charity partners, and shine a light on the people and stories that inspire our mission to build better futures.

A Night of Community, Celebration and Connection

Guests were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere as soon as they stepped into the venue. My Lahore once again delivered an exceptional dining experience, beginning with delicious canapés, a colourful grazing table and handcrafted mocktails, followed by a beautifully presented three-course meal and an indulgent dessert station. The room felt alive with conversation, connection and purpose.

Setting the tone for the evening, Mark Oysten and his sons captivated the room with their contemporary classical performance. Their music created the perfect backdrop for an event grounded in hope, generosity and community spirit.

Recognising Our 2025 Charity Partners

This year’s dinner gave us the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of our 2025 charity partners; Getting Clean, YoungMinds, and Recovery Runners. They took to the stage to share their journeys, the challenges they face, and the incredible impact our support has on their ability to change lives.

From empowering people in recovery to rebuild their futures, to ensuring young people have access to vital mental health support, to fostering community and wellbeing through running, our partners reminded us exactly why the Parklane Foundation exists: to make meaningful change where it’s needed most.

The first half of the evening culminated in the presentation of a cheque, symbolising the dedication, generosity and collective effort of everyone who has contributed throughout the year.

Looking Ahead: Our 2026 Partnerships

We also looked forward with excitement to our charitable focus for 2026, announcing new partnerships with Koala and Project Limitless. Together, we’ll be helping children gain access to prosthetics and adaptive sports opportunities; opening doors to movement, confidence and possibility.

Working alongside Leeds Golf Centre, we aim to break down barriers so every child, regardless of their physical challenges, can experience the joy of sport. These partnerships perfectly reflect the Foundation’s values.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who joined us: thank you.
To those who purchased tables, sponsored the event, bid in our auction, or donated on the night: thank you.
To our partners, colleagues, suppliers, entertainers and volunteers who made the evening possible: thank you.

Your kindness is the driving force behind everything we do. Each contribution, big or small, helps us continue our work, support more people, and reach more communities. The Annual Dinner is one of our most important fundraising moments of the year, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and generosity.

Together, we are improving lives, inspiring progress, and building brighter futures for those who need it most.

Here’s to an impactful 2026.

More than 30 local children from inner city schools across Leeds turned out to enjoy an afternoon of Footgolf at the home of modern golf in Wike Ridge – Leeds Golf Centre, on Wednesday 23 October.  Six teams from Harehills Primary School, Little London Primary School and Rosebank Primary School competed in this tournament, hosted by The Parklane Foundation, but it was the team from Harehills Primary School who were victorious.

Footgolf is a brilliant concept which perfectly blends golf with football.  Played over six purposely designed holes, which range from 39 to 90 yards, players must aim and kick the ball into the holes in as few shots as possible – a la the traditional game of golf.

Footgolf is fully inclusive for anyone, any age and any ability but it’s not always as easy as it looks!

This event was organised by The Parklane Foundation, a charitable organisation, which helps and supports a range of good causes across the UK and globally.  The footgolf tournament was designed to give disadvantaged children from inner city locations the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some competitive sport. It also provided a chance to attend Leeds Golf Centre, an experience many might not have in everyday life.

Alan Scorfield, CEO Leeds United Foundation was in attendance and provided some match tickets for the winning team.  The event was also attended by the Leeds Lord Mayor who enjoyed participating and spectating in the action and was thoroughly impressed by the skills on show

Ruby Malik, from The Parklane Foundation said of the event: “This was a truly great day, and everyone enjoyed it; from the children, the teachers and the team at Leeds Golf Centre.  It was great fun watching the children test out their footgolf skills and I think we have found some stars of the future!”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said: “I was delighted to attend the Footgolf tournament hosted by The Parklane Foundation.  The event was a huge success and we received extremely positive feedback from the schools which took part.  Events such as this really demonstrate how sports and new experiences can have a positive effect on children and I do hope that this event will now take place on an annual basis.”

Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung added: “It was an absolute delight to see the Parklane Foundation organise this amazing event at Leeds Golf Centre.  These children are from very diverse communities, but they were all participating and enjoying this sport for the first time and it was evident that they loved every minute of it!  As a council, we are committed to ensuring children live an active lifestyle and this was a great initiative in support of this.  The footgolf event perfectly showcased the inclusivity and accessibility of Leeds Golf Centre – showing you’re never too young or too inexperienced to try something new.”

Alec Waddington, Year 1 Teacher and PE Subject Leader at Harehills Primary School said: “The Parklane Foundation is a true credit to the local community, and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity and their approach towards our children. To let them go on the driving range was beyond top class!”

Ruby continues: “This event is a great example of what we do here at The Parklane Foundation.  We want to enhance, enrich and encourage children and young people to experience a wide range of opportunities.  We appreciate that not all children and their families have access to sporting opportunities, but we believe that every child should have the chance to enjoy them.  This event was part of our ongoing commitment to offering new and unique experiences to children and young people across Yorkshire and further afield.”

The Parklane Foundation will also be presenting a £2000 cheque donation to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal at the Lord Mayor’s dinner on 8^th November.

The Parklane Foundation works with partners such as Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Education, Give a Gift and is a Patron of The Prince’s Trust.

For more information please contact Hanif at The Parklane Foundation at hanif@theparklanegroup.com

The Parklane Group’s annual Charity Golf Day has raised £8,390 for two charities by welcoming a hundred guests to a day of special events at Leeds Golf Centre. Events and activities included breakfast networking, golf coaching sessions from the experts at The Leadbetter Academy, Footgolf, a BBQ lunch, shot gun start golf, an evening dinner and a charity auction.

This year, two charities benefitted from the fundraising event

The Leanne Baker Trust, a charity which helps guide those suffering with mental illness and aiding recovery; and Leeds Community Foundation, which supports thousands of volunteer groups across the City.

During the day, attendees were treated to a range of activities

There was something both those with little or no experience and established golfers alike. Leeds Golf Centre has promoted itself as an inclusive club, offering non-golfers and those from backgrounds not traditionally associated with the sport, a way to get and stay active. Attendees were given use of the club’s popular Footgolf course, which uses footballs rather than golf balls, helping to promote inclusive participation, without the need for expensive equipment or specialist skills.

Naveen Ahmed, Director of The Parklane Group, said:

“This event builds on its success year on year. We’re so proud to have welcomed everyone to our club yet again, in support of two wonderful causes. As an inclusive and progressive club, making sure that we get young people involved and have fun is important to us, and I think that our event achieved that.”

“Over the past year, we’ve helped deliver important initiatives within the community, helping to promote positive messages around active lifestyles and breaking down the traditional barriers to sport. Leeds is a fantastic sporting City, and we’re delighted to be playing a part in that.”

Leeds Golf Centre is operated through The Parklane Group’s charitable arm, The Parklane Foundation

Leeds Golf Centre has delivered sessions with six schools from across Leeds since the start of the year, with an ambition to teach hundreds of students about the importance of exercise and focus. The initiatives are designed to boost confidence and embed values around hard work, discipline, respect and tolerance. Additionally, the club is in the early stages of working with a number of other sporting foundations in the region to expand its community outreach.

Having seen major successes in recent years, culminating in being named England Golf Club of the Year in 2018, The Parklane Group has recently submitted ambitious plans to help secure the centre’s future with an impressive redevelopment.

The total amount raised will be split equally amongst the two charities, assisting them in continuing their important work. Find out more about The Parklane Foundation, here.

On Thursday, 30th November, The Parklane Foundation opened their doors once again to welcome cherished guests, family, and friends to the second annual Parklane Group Dinner. Despite the frosty weather, attendees arrived dressed to the nines, ready to embrace a fabulous evening at the iconic Headingley Stadium.

As guests stepped into the Howard Suite, they were greeted with an array of delightful canapés and invigorating mocktails, courtesy of the exceptional MyLahore. A beautifully curated grazing table brimmed with delectable nibbles, complemented by the melodious strains of orchestral music performed by Mark Oysten and his talented sons. The suite glimmered with the soft glow of Christmas trees and enchanting tree centerpieces, casting an inviting aura over the gathering.

Promptly at 7 PM, everyone took their seats as the evening commenced with a poignant video, illuminating the Parklane Foundation’s impactful endeavors. The Parklane Foundation’s remarkable efforts over the past year culminated in an astounding achievement: raising a staggering £80,000! This substantial sum was dedicated to our esteemed Charity Partners: Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Leeds Hospitals Charity—each receiving a generous cheque of £20,000. The surplus funds will continue to bolster the Parklane Foundation’s support for local charities and communities, including initiatives like Footgolf sessions benefiting inner-city school children.

The evening unfolded with inspiring speakers, notably Barry Brindley from The Zikomo Trust. Last year, the Parklane Foundation contributed £4,000 towards building a school in Malawi for 240 children—a cause deeply resonant with the Parklane Group family, rooted in Malawi. In recognition of Barry’s unwavering commitment to charitable work in Malawi, he was honored with The Parklane Foundation Annual Award. Another cheque of £4,000 was presented to aid in furthering educational infrastructure in Malawi.

The latter part of the evening was dedicated to unveiling our Charities of the Year for 2024, focusing on the theme of homelessness: Crisis, St. George’s Crypt, and Simon on the Streets. The Parklane Foundation also pledged to donate a self-care package for every single guest who attended the dinner to the two local charities: St. George’s Crypt and Simon on the Streets. The packages include beanie hats, dental kits, shampoo, soap, and other hygiene products—a little festive gift for the cold winter months.

A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to MyLahore for their exceptional catering, delighting guests with a sumptuous spread ranging from a tantalizing grazing table, canapés, and mocktails to an exquisite plated starter, a selection of curry mains, and an opulent dessert spread. Their impeccable service left an indelible mark on the evening, with guests still reminiscing about last year’s feast.

Musical talents added an extra layer of charm to the night, with an orchestral trio and Mark Oysten and his sons setting the perfect ambiance. The latter part of the evening saw the enchanting performance of Holly, a talented singer whose renditions of classic tunes ignited the dance floor and filled the room with infectious energy.

It was a night of warmth and inspiration, an opportunity to showcase the incredible impact of the Parklane Foundation’s work. Gratitude overflowed as heartfelt thanks were extended to all supporters whose generous contributions make this meaningful work possible.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who graced the event, and we eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you next year for another unforgettable evening!

To find out more or register your interest to sponsor the event/packages or contribute to auction prizes next year for the Parklane Foundation, please contact us through the enquiry form online at Parklane Foundation.

Leeds based The Parklane Foundation, part of The Parklane Group, are celebrating raising £6,000 for their charity partner Young Lives vs Cancer from their most recent fundraising event based on the tv show The Apprentice.

Using the tv show as a guide each department was given a £100 start-up fund and a week to turn it into £1,000’s. The creative bunch then got to work organising their fundraising events which included a luxury raffle, a car wash, a static cycle the distance of the perimeter of Yorkshire, a dine in event, a fashion show, a swap shop, an auction and a car boot sale!

Katie Brewster, from The Parklane Foundation, said “The Apprentice Challenge was a no brainer for us as we have so many talented people working for The Parklane Group who think outside the box, add the fact that we were raising money for the fantastic charity Young Lives vs Cancer and their competitiveness and creativity came in to action!”

“At the end of the week we totted up the amounts raised and the winners were declared by our very own Lord Treacle (Director of The Parklane Group, Naveen Ahmed) who handed out the trophy and a spa day to the winning department and gave the famous ‘You’re Fired’ to the losing team. Obviously no one was actually fired but we did send them out litter picking! A great effort by all involved and a huge amount raised for a fantastic charity.”

Last year in Yorkshire, Young Lives vs Cancer teams based in Leeds and Sheffield helped 363 families to find the strength to face whatever cancer threw at them. They also gave out 272 financial grants to these families to the value of £55,710 to help them to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Jenny Pointon, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Yorkshire and North Derbyshire at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and we can’t thank The Parklane Foundation heroes enough for their fantastic efforts. We are looking forward to seeing what they will come up with next!”

“The money raised from their Apprentice fundraising challenge will make a massive difference for young people with cancer, by helping us ensure they are getting the right support they need.”

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

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Photograph: Lord Treacle (Director of The Parklane Group, Naveen Ahmed) presenting the winning department with their trophy.

Notes to editors

For more information, an interview or images, please contact Jenny Dixon on 07920 584688 or email Jenny.Pointon@YoungLivesvsCancer.org.uk

About cancer in children and young people

Today, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.

About Young Lives vs Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn to, no one to talk to.

Young Lives vs Cancer is the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. The charity’s social workers offer specialist, empowering support, its Homes from Home offer families a free place to stay nearby to the child’s hospital and grants help families to navigate the costs of cancer. We’ve been there before. We’ll face it all, together. For more information visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

The Parklane Group has secured planning approval the first co-living scheme in Leeds, focussed on graduates and young professionals. The landmark development will transform the iconic and historic Burley Road Library building, delivering up to 60 luxury one bedroom and studio apartments.

Delivered through the new Livinc brand, this visionary development will spearhead the new concept and adds to The Parklane Group’s already extensive suite of successful brands. The development is set to address the changing lifestyle habits of the nation and introduce the emerging trend, for co-living, to the residential rental sector in Leeds.

Planning permission granted for Grade II Listed Burley Library site

The approval of plans means that the Group are now able to regenerate the former Burley Road Library, which will transform the Grade II Listed site in Headingley, and will include shared space and leisure provisions. The newly accepted plans have been developed to give the building, which dates back to 1926, a renewed purpose worthy of its former glory, providing up to 60 stylish one bedroom and studio apartments to address the housing demands of young people.

The site has strong personal resonance with The Parklane Group’s Directors

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Parklane Group said: “Having these plans accepted is of immense personal and professional pride to me. Livinc will allow us to bring this amazing building back to life, following a period of neglect, and help it become relevant to today’s society. We’re really pleased to extend our leading position within the co-living space to young professionals and graduates, in so doing, bringing a trend to Leeds more commonly associated with global cities such as London or New York.”

“We’ve seen there is appetite through our IconInc brand, which delivers a similar proposition for the student rentals market in Leeds. Those graduates have seen the value in our developments, and those remaining in Leeds are now able to continue living within that concept. This new brand will allow residents to do away with many of the complications of modern living, with furnished accommodation, inclusive of bills, alongside excellent leisure facilities.”

“On a personal level, several of our Directors, myself included, have treasured memories of visiting the Library as children to choose our books. It was a formative part of our upbringing, and we were incredibly sad to see it close. These plans will bring a vibrancy back to the site and ensure that future generations can take as much enjoyment from it as we did. As a group, we’re incredibly proud of our Leeds heritage, and this project demonstrates our commitment to both the city’s past and its future.”

The new concept addresses changes in national housing trends

Co-living spaces and shared on-site community resources have seen popular uptake over recent years and have been pioneered in major international cities. The new development in Leeds will also promote co-working and networking, with communal spaces including kitchens and social areas, as well as having access to shared facilities, such as a cinema and gym.

Since the turn of the millennium, renting has overtaken home-ownership in the 21-25, and 26-30 age categories. Meanwhile, the number of young adults living with their parents has risen by over half a million, to more than 3.3million over the past two decades, all of which point to a shift in attitudes and circumstances.

Figures suggest that almost a third of university students in Leeds remain in the city following completion of their course. The wider impact of the graduate economy is demonstrated with the estimated £1.59bn generated by international students in Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Read more about Livinc, the latest brand developed by The Parklane Group, here.

Our Apprentice Challenge is back—and this year, it was bigger and better than ever! Teams from across The Parklane Group went head-to-head in a week-long fundraising competition, all in support of The Parklane Foundation. Creativity, collaboration, and community spirit were on full display as departments battled it out to raise the most money for our three fantastic charity partners: YoungMinds, Getting Clean, and Recovery Runners.

From Monday 24th March to Sunday 30th March, our offices were buzzing with activity, and no idea was off-limits!

Here’s a snapshot of what went down:

• Hive had a jam-packed week featuring bake sales, raffles, a sponsored walk and silence, a car boot sale, and more.
• Parklane Properties Headingley and rentinc hit the local high street, selling advertising slots in their student welcome packs, and took on a team steps challenge.
• Parklane City Office got thrifty with a raffle and by selling preloved clothes on Vinted.
• Roomzzz brought the heat—literally—with a ‘Hot Ones’ chilli challenge, plus jacket potato lunches and a bake sale.
• Marketing & HR took on an epic 17.4-mile sponsored walk, trekking across all Parklane Group sites in Leeds.
• Iconinc sites kept moving with a 24-hour bike challenge, a pool tournament, a car wash, and more.
• UOWN raised funds by selling unused office items and collecting donations for a mountain climb.
• Finance got competitive with a padel tournament and raffled off a signed Leeds United shirt.
• Leeds Golf Centre added a twist with a spin-the-wheel game and a raffle for donated four-balls.

The results? Absolutely incredible. Not only did every team beat their previous records, but together we raised a phenomenal £12,911. A massive congratulations to everyone involved!

🎉 Top Fundraisers: 🥉 3rd Place – Marketing & HR: £1,774 🥈 2nd Place – Hive: £1,913 🥇 1st Place – UOWN: £2,056

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or supported us in any way. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this the most successful Apprentice Challenge to date!

Hive believes in the power of transformation—not just in spaces, but in lives. They recently completed an incredible makeover on behalf of the Parklane Foundation at Community Learning Partnerships (CLP), and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.

Starting on February 17th, they worked tirelessly for over a week, finally handing over a beautifully revamped reception area and four meeting rooms on February 25th. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable help of volunteers from Dulux, the dedicated staff and students of Leeds City College RE: Team, and of course, the Hive crew.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
A special thank you goes out to Dulux, who generously provided all the paint and supplies, as well as a fantastic team of volunteers. Their support was instrumental in bringing this project to life.
Another huge shoutout to the staff and students from Leeds City College RE: Team for their incredible signs and memory trees, which added a truly special touch to the makeover. Their talent and enthusiasm were a joy to work with, and we are excited for many more collaborations in the future.

About Community Learning Partnerships
CLP is a Leeds-based charity with over 34 years of experience in providing opportunities and support for children, young people, and adults to access education, employment, training, and volunteering. They work in some of the most deprived areas of Leeds, helping individuals overcome significant barriers such as long-term unemployment, mental health challenges, and low-level skills.

Their programmes include:
Adult Learning – Courses that build confidence and skills to help individuals on the path to employment.
Let’s Read – A volunteer programme supporting disadvantaged children with literacy and language skills.
Roots & Shoots – A community-focused project improving green spaces and promoting wellbeing.
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) – Engaging local people to drive positive change in their communities.
Single Parent Power – Support for unemployed or inactive single parents to help them move towards employment.

Heartfelt Feedback
The response from the CLP team has been overwhelming. Jenny Harris, Senior Manager of Projects/HR, shared her gratitude:
“Can I just take this opportunity to thank you and all your volunteers for the amazing job they have done in our previously depressing reception and surrounding rooms. This transformation will help to improve the wellbeing of all our staff, service users and visitors by providing a warm and welcoming experience.
We now have a comfortable counselling room, an appropriate room where participants can choose clothing, and two one-to-one rooms. The transformation will make people feel welcome and valued.”

Neil Bostock, representing the RE: Team and Creative Craft Students, also expressed his appreciation:
“It has been a great experience for the students, giving them valuable insight into the expectations of a live project. They’ve had hands-on involvement in a range of manufacturing techniques and have thoroughly enjoyed the process. We’re looking forward to collaborating with you again in the future!”

Looking Ahead
This project was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact it will have on the CLP community. Seeing the joy and appreciation from the team at CLP makes all the hard work worthwhile.

We look forward to many more projects like this, continuing to bring communities together and transforming spaces for those who need them most.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Christmas for many is all about spending time with family and friends, eating lots of food and reminiscing on the previous year. For children it’s all about racing downstairs and seeing what’s under the tree on Christmas Day morning. Yet unfortunately for many kids, the prospect of presents under the tree remains uncertain due to the harsh reality of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

This year, the Parklane Foundation proudly hosted gifting trees as part of a Christmas Toy Appeal. The Parklane Foundation has partnered with Broomfield Special Education Needs School located in Leeds to bring the magic of the season to children who might have otherwise gone without.

The concept was simple: colleagues, family and friends were invited to contribute to our gifting trees by donating a present suitable for a child aged 2 to 19. It was a small act that made a world of difference in brightening a child’s Christmas.

Here’s how the Parklane Group got involved and became a part of this heartwarming initiative:

1. Choosing the Perfect Gift
   People selected gifts that they thought children would love. From toys to books, puzzles to art supplies, anything that sparked joy and suited a child’s age between 2 and 19 was welcome.
2. Adding a Tag for Guidance
   They attached a gift tag indicating the suitable age range for the gift and if it was specifically for boys, girls, or unisex. This helped to match presents to the right recipients and ensured every child got a gift they adored.
3. Dropping Off Gifts
   People brought their wrapped presents and placed them under the gifting trees at our donation points located at numerous Parklane Group offices and venues.
4. Spreading Joy Together
   A Parklane Foundation team of dedicated “elves” collected the gifts and ensured they reached the deserving children in time for the festive celebrations.

   The joy of giving was unparalleled, especially during the holiday season. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brought smiles to the faces of these children and made their Christmas brighter.

   Everyone has come together, embracing the spirit of generosity, and made Christmas a truly magical time for every child in the partnership with Broomfield Special Education Needs School.

   Thank you for supporting The Parklane Foundation’s Christmas Toy Appeal and helping to spread the joy of the season!