For over 130 years, T A Fisher has been at the forefront of property development in the Thames Valley, not only through its commitment to quality construction and sound business ethics, but also by giving back to the community. A key part of that legacy is its long-standing support for Launchpad, Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity.
A Tradition of Community Investment
T A Fisher has always embraced a community-based approach. The company actively invests in the local economy by engaging local professional consultants, tradespeople and suppliers, while prioritising local buyers. This commitment is reflected in every facet of its work, from complex project completions to supporting community initiatives.
Supporting Reading’s Homelessness Prevention Efforts
Launchpad began in 1979 as a soup kitchen founded by students at the University of Reading and has since evolved into a holistic service provider for anyone at risk of homelessness in Reading. Today, Launchpad stands as the town’s foremost homelessness charity, dedicated to helping vulnerable people secure long-term housing and lead independent lives. In 2024 alone, the charity’s dedicated work helped more than 1,800 people get back on their feet.
Shared Values: Quality, Security and Community
The mission of Launchpad, providing safe and secure housing, resonates deeply with T A Fisher’s own commitment to building high-quality homes that offer residents security and pride in their investment. This alignment in values underpins the enduring partnership between T A Fisher and Launchpad.
Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad, said: “Launchpad are very grateful for the support we’ve been given by The Fisher Group over the years. It is a natural partnership rooted in the provision of safe, secure homes, the use of innovative solutions to solve client challenges and a local focus – and one we very much appreciate. We hope to continue to work with the Group for many years to come.”
Tangible Contributions and Personal Involvement
T A Fisher has consistently supported Launchpad through generous, flexible donations, ensuring that funds and resources can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of the charity’s projects. Among these contributions are furniture donations from House of Fisher, the sister company and Thames Valley’s leading provider of serviced apartments and aparthotels. These high-quality furnishings are repurposed during renovations and apartment upgrades, giving them a second lease of life in support of the local community.
Chairman John Fisher has taken his support one step further by personally engaging with Launchpad’s initiatives. He has spent time at the Launchpad 135 work and life skills centre in Reading, where the charity’s comprehensive programmes, ranging from careers, cookery, ICT and barista courses to gardening, drama and art therapy, equip individuals with essential skills for employment and personal development.
In addition to these ongoing initiatives, T A Fisher has demonstrated exceptional responsiveness in challenging times. When the biennial “big sleep” event in 2024 was cancelled due to low turnout, the company promptly stepped in within a week to cover the shortfall with a generous donation. Additionally, in anticipation of inclement weather, T A Fisher provided essential items such as hats, gloves and toiletries as part of the nationwide Severe Weather Provision (SWEP) initiative to support rough sleepers taken off the streets when the temperature drops.
A Partnership for the Future
The collaboration between T A Fisher and Launchpad is more than a series of donations; it is a partnership built on shared values, flexibility and a commitment to strengthening the community. Just as T A Fisher builds homes on solid foundations, this partnership promises to continue supporting Reading’s most vulnerable residents for years to come.