MORE than 20 local businesses, including those from Crewe, have signed up to a brand new social enterprise aimed at helping local communities.

Donatable has been set to help businesses to engage with their communities and leave a "lasting positive impact".

Set up with the needs of local businesses in mind, it seeks to offer a programme of promotional marketing support services while at the same time reinvesting its profits back into the local communities those businesses serve.

Donatable was officially launched at Crewe Market Hall with the occasion marked by the Mayor of Crewe Cllr Tom Dunlop with the attendance of local charities and community groups who will benefit from member donations.

Co-founder Gareth Williams said: "Our purpose is to ensure that our members' businesses grow through a positive social impact. We offer businesses an easy, affordable way to give back to the local community, enabling them to grow and glow."

Membership is based on an annual fee starting at £350 and businesses benefit from a range of services including marketing and social media support to enhance and grow their brands.

One of the first business owners to sign up to the Donatable programme was Peter Ewan of video production company Heelheadover Productions and he said: "I wanted to become a founder member of Donatable because I love the mix of giving back to my local community while at the same time receiving the benefits of a comprehensive package of business benefits.

"In particular the package of external marketing will save me both time and money."

Cllr Dunlop said: "I was delighted to officially launch Donatable and show my support for its vision for businesses of all sizes in Crewe connecting them with local community causes and charities and showcasing the good work that they are all doing.

"Donatable has been set up to support our local businesses and encourage a thriving active community. Founder and local poet Gareth Williams describes this as helping our local businesses to 'glow and grow' with their support."

Another founder member is David Savage from Emery & Savage mobile phone solutions based on Crewe Hall Enterprise Park, who explained: "I wanted to get involved because I like the idea of giving back. I think every business should do it and if you have the ability to give back to your local community even better.

"Working with Donatable means they do all the leg work, the hard work. They find the right people and the right place to reinvest my membership money. I understand that there are a lot of business benefits that go along with this but for me it was just about giving back."

Gareth added: "The time is right for Cheshire based businesses to take an active role in their local communities. What Donatable does is recruit local businesses to support local needs - together creating a positive social impact."

You can find out more about Donatable here.