1 in 20 million — Story 7

Sewell on the go

If you live in Hull or East Yorkshire, you’ll already know the name Sewell.  For 150 years, the Sewell Group has been part of the fabric of the region – a business built on trust, a deep commitment to social mobility and the belief that companies should give back to the communities they serve.

That spirit runs right through Sewell on the go, their network of forecourt stores, where community and social value aren’t box‑ticking exercises - they’re part of the business strategy.

Since joining Co-op Wholesale, in just over one year, they have supported 44 different organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire – from local community facilities like Scout groups, community centres and open gardens, to health and support services including hospices, wheelchair sports teams and mental health projects, as well as local schools – reflecting the diversity and heart of the communities they serve.

At the centre of it all is a simple principle – Sewell on the go support the causes their community cares about.  Whether it’s a charity chosen by their customers or a group close to the hearts of colleagues, they embrace it fully.

That commitment was clear in the last round of MADL’s Heart of the Community Awards, where they successfully nominated 11 different community groups across Hull and East Riding, securing £11,000 in funding.  It was Sewell doing what they’ve always done: listening, responding and championing their community.

For Sewell on the go, being a forecourt retailer has never been just about fuel and convenience.  It’s about people.  It’s about place.  And it’s about demonstrating that when community sits at the heart of a business, everyday retail can become a powerful force for good.

Stories like theirs show what £20 million raised through everyday shopping really represents: partnership, purpose and the belief that local businesses can create extraordinary impact whilst helping communities thrive.