Grant Thornton research boosts UNICEF

Grant Thornton this week donated US$57,500 to UNICEF, the leading children’s organisation, as part of its ongoing partnership through the International Business Report (IBR).

Launched in 1992 in nine European countries the report now surveys 11,500 businesses in 40 economies every year, providing insight into the economic and commercial issues affecting both listed and privately-held businesses.

For every interview completed Grant Thornton makes a donation of US$5 to UNICEF.

Ed Nusbaum, CEO of Grant Thornton International, said: "We are delighted to continue supporting the very important work done by UNICEF. Having progressed IBR from an annual to a quarterly survey, we now interview a greater number of business leaders every year. Aside from the benefits this has brought in terms of our ability to deliver insights on business issues in a more timely manner, it also happily means that our annual donation has increased significantly."

Handing over the cheque to UNICEF, IBR project manager Dominic King said: "The US$5 donation is a key driver for business leaders to undertake the survey. In today's fast-moving business environment, time pressures on senior executives are ever increasing so the direct link to an internationally-recognised charity makes a real difference to the success of the project, and, more importantly, helps to save children’s lives."

Grant Thornton has now donated over US$200,000 to UNICEF over the past five years through the IBR project.

Victoria Lindop, UNICEF UK Head of Corporate said: "We are most grateful that Grant Thornton has chosen to continue its association with us through IBR. UNICEF’s work for children depends entirely on voluntary donations as we do not receive any funding from the UN budget.  The annual donation is incredibly valuable in our mission to ensure every child has the best start in life.

"For example, over the past five years, the total donation could build and furnish ten classrooms in the Republic of Congo, large enough to teach 50 children at a time. This year alone the donation could purchase approximately 245 school-in-a-box kits, which provide temporary schools for up to 40 children per box ."

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For further information please contact:
Christine Hobart
International communications manager
T +44 207 391 9548
E christine.hobart@uk.gt.com

Notes to editors
The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) provides insight into the views and expectations of 11,500 business leaders per year across 40 economies. This unique survey draws upon 20 years of trend data for most European participants and 10 years for many non-European economies. For more information, please visit: www.internationalbusinessreport.com