Investing in York together: Welcoming Ardent Financial Planning as a new partner

At Two Ridings, we believe in the power of local giving. We know that when people and businesses invest in the places they care about, they help create stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the chance to flourish.

That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Ardent Financial Planning as a new partner of the Foundation

Across York, Hull and North & East Yorkshire, community organisations are supporting young people, tackling loneliness, improving mental health and helping people through difficult circumstances. Their work changes lives every day, but they can’t do it alone. It takes generous individuals, businesses and organisations looking beyond their own walls and asking an important question: What can we do for our community?

That question sits at the heart of our new partnership with Ardent.

Through their charity incentive initiative, Ardent makes a £50 donation for every initial meeting they have that comes from a client recommendation, regardless of whether that person goes on to become a client. From September 2026, those donations are being directed to the York Community Fund, helping local organisations respond to the challenges facing communities across the city.

The York Community Fund brings together donations from businesses, foundations, charitable trusts and local people who want to invest in a better York. One of the Fund’s greatest strengths is the role local residents and people with lived experience of the issues affecting people play in shaping priorities and deciding where funding is awarded. This helps ensure support reaches the communities where it can make the greatest difference.

For Ardent, this partnership is about more than making a donation. It’s about supporting local communities and helping create lasting positive change in York.

Elain Hughes, Business Director at Ardent Financial Planning, said:

“Community is close to our heart, and that’s why we’re proud to support Two Ridings and the York Community Fund. We believe businesses have an important role to play in the places they serve, and we’re excited to contribute to work that is making a real difference across our communities.”

Bec Horner, Head of Communications & Partnerships at Two Ridings Community Foundation, said:

“From our first conversations with Ardent, it was clear that we share a commitment to giving back locally. Their support for the York Community Fund is a great example of a business thinking carefully about how it can make a positive contribution to its community, and we’re excited to see where this partnership leads.”