CRASH proud to continue its long standing partnership with the CPA Autumn Lunch

CRASH was delighted to once again be the chosen charity partner at the CPA Autumn Lunch, a flagship event recognised as one of the most important networking occasions in the construction industry. The lunch attracts a senior audience from across the construction supply chain including manufacturers and suppliers, clients, contractors, and influential political and media contacts – offering a unique opportunity for connection and collaboration.

This year marks 23 years of partnership between the Construction Products Association and CRASH, and the continued generosity of attendees was evident throughout the afternoon. Together, guests helped raise an amazing £6,846 to support CRASH’s work assisting homelessness charities and hospices across the UK.

The event began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Jeff May, Deputy Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, who reflected on the issues and opportunities shaping the construction landscape today. CRASH Chief Executive Trisha Pickersgill addressed the audience, sharing moving updates from recent charity projects and introducing a short video showcasing CRASH’s support for homelessness charity Branches. The clip highlighted the creation of Stepping Stones, a vital ‘move-on’ house designed to help residents transition from hostel accommodation into independent living – demonstrating the powerful, practical impact that industry support enables.

Guests enjoyed a seasonal three-course meal accompanied by live music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for networking and conversation. Attendees were also inspired by guest speaker Colin Jackson CBE, whose engaging storytelling and reflections on his sporting career offered insight, humour, and motivation.

The charity draw saw guests generously donate for the chance to win an excellent selection of prizes: a £150 Fortmason Hamper, a £150 John Lewis voucher, a £100 Amazon voucher, a £100 Evolv Collection restaurant voucher, and a Makita two-piece combo kit – all kindly sponsored by Saint-Gobain, Heidelberg Materials, the CFA, 8build, the CPA and NMBS. Thanks to this kindness, the total raised will enable CRASH to continue creating safe, dignified places for people who are homeless, and for children and adults receiving hospice care.

CRASH extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Corporate Patrons Arcadis and Beale & Co, whose support was invaluable in collecting donations throughout the afternoon. Our gratitude goes to Amy Pargeter, Paul Needler, Dharyl Ramos, Jagoda Krukar, Charlie Torres and Pietro Fiorucci from Arcadis, and to Cody Reeves and Sevir Mandair from Beale & Co, whose enthusiasm and commitment helped make the event a great success.

Finally, we offer our sincere appreciation to the Construction Products Association for once again inviting CRASH to this valued industry event, and to this year’s event sponsors for their continued commitment to helping make a lasting difference.