WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018 19
SPONSORED BY
Philanthropist of the Year
Winner Michael Hill
Chief executive of the Hills Group, Mike Hill manages a business that has become a major
force for social responsibility and good. The Hills Group is involved in waste management,
recycling, aggregates, concrete and building new homes and pledges a responsible approach to
service to the community and environmental awareness.
Mike has established a charity committee to oversee giving to the community and takes
these responsibilities very seriously. The committee often awards funds to smaller organisations.
At Christmas, for example, the company supports Christmas Care, which operates a shelter for
the homeless in Swindon; the Swindon branch of Women’s Aid; plus Doorway, a charity based
in Chippenham which provides support to the homeless.
The Hills Group encourages employees to get involved in local projects and supports them
with funding. They also distribute money from the Landfill Communities Fund, which enables
them to contribute to environmental organisations within the vicinity of landfill sites.
Second place John Rendell
A successful businessman, John gives back to the community where his roots lie. He is a long-term
supporter of the Wiltshire Community Foundation. As well as giving his time to the
organisation, he has established two funds: the John and Valerie Rendell Fund, created with his
first wife, who died of a brain illness, and the John and Sue Rendell Fund, set up with his second
wife, Sue, who passed away from cancer. The funds generate money awarded as grants to groups
and individuals. John also makes significant donations to causes close to his heart.
Third place James Phipps
James has a tremendous commitment to the town and people of Swindon. His company,
Excalibur Communications, is at the heart of the community, and he and his staff give time,
money and opportunities to local causes. He has a passion for helping young people and spends
his personal time visiting schools to talk to pupils about fulfilling their goals. In 2014, he and
his staff donated £50,000 to the RUH Cancer Centre. In 2016, James and his wife Emma set
up The Younite Foundation, helping young people in Swindon, Wiltshire and Kenya.
Mike has established
a charity committee to
oversee giving to the
community and takes
these responsibilities
very seriously