British Land has been a signatory of the National Literacy Trust’s Vision for Literacy Business Pledge since its inception in 2015, joining more than 100 businesses who are committed to addressing the UK's literacy challenge where they can have the biggest impact – in their offices, in the communities where they work and by contributing to national campaigns.
Partnerships are at the heart of our approach and they’re how we have most impact. Discover how we have worked with British Land to change the life stories of more than 74,000 children.
"By… fostering a love of reading, we are contributing to young people realising their potential and building a stronger future"
Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability at British Land
The power of partnership
Since 2011, British Land has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to unlock the potential of reading for pleasure to improve children’s life chances. It is the largest and longest partnership between a business and charity to improve literacy in the UK.
When children enjoy reading and have access to books, their learning, confidence and wellbeing thrive. But, last year, 2 in 5 (38%) children from disadvantaged communities left primary school unable to read well. These children are more likely to struggle with their GCSEs and be unemployed in their 30s.
Through the Young Readers Programme, British Land and the National Literacy Trust support children from disadvantaged communities to develop their love of books and reading identity through a series of fun events focused on reading for enjoyment and book choice.
To date, the award-winning partnership has supported more than 74,000 children from disadvantaged communities to develop a life-changing love of reading, and provided more than 224,000 books for the children to choose, take home and keep – for many, the first book they own.
Commitment to communities sits at the heart of British Land’s strategy and the National Literacy Trust’s place-based working. This has enabled us to address the unique literacy challenges of each community we work in, with bespoke activities that reflect their identities and powerfully engage young readers.
In 2021, British Land and the National Literacy Trust commissioned WPI strategy to establish the economic value of reading for pleasure for the first time. The analysis found that, if all school-aged children in the UK read for pleasure every day, the number getting five good GCSEs by the age of 16 could increase by 1.1 million within 30 years, boosting their average lifetime earning potential by £57,500 and adding £4.6 billion to the UK’s GDP each year.
British Land and the National Literacy Trust’s partnership demonstrates how businesses can play an active, long-term role in improving children’s life chances and boosting UK GDP through literacy, targeting efforts in the communities where the need is greatest.
"The outcomes of our long-standing partnership with the National Literacy Trust show the power of collaboration between communities, charities and businesses to create lasting impact."
Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability at British Land
How can your business get involved?
If your business is not currently a signatory of our Vision for Literacy Business Pledge but you would like to add your voice to this vital national conversation, please email us at pledge@literacytrust.org.uk.
Find out more about corporate support and partnership opportunities.