Our partners

Smart Works is privileged to collaborate with renowned brands and leading corporations who share our mission to help unemployed women secure a job and regain their self-belief.

The support of our partners helps us to equip our clients with the skills and confidence they need to enter the workplace and change the trajectory of
their lives.

Transformational Partners

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has generously supported us for over eleven years. The iconic brand shares our mission to empower women. Each year, they release a limited-edition Pretty Powerful Collection product, with 100% of sales proceeds (less VAT) coming to Smart Works. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics PRO Artists also dedicate their time to support clients with makeup lessons and events, while customers have the opportunity to donate to the charity through their website.

Bank of America is supporting our Career Coaching programme with significant funding and added employee volunteering and engagement. Introduced in 2020 in response to client demand, Career Coaching is designed to help women with tailored advice and support prior to securing an interview.

"Smart Works provides an invaluable service, supporting unemployed women back into the workplace. Through the power of clothing and coaching they help break the cycle of hardship that results from being unemployed, enabling women to succeed at interviews and ultimately change the trajectory of their lives. It has been a privilege to be a small part of Smart Works' ambitious mission to reach 10,000 women a year by April 2025. Through our continued partnership, we look forward to helping more women access sustainable and meaningful jobs across the UK."

Andrea Sullivan, International Executive, Head of Social and Environment Group at Bank of America

A new £1m Initiatives grant from Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust will support Smart Works to develop our employability programme across the UK. Smart Works Futures connects women directly with employers, opening doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures.

“Too many women, especially those facing multiple barriers, are still being locked out of work, despite having the skills to succeed. As job markets become more competitive, gaps in confidence and access to opportunities keep growing. This programme is about changing that, connecting women directly with employers and supporting them into meaningful work. It unlocks talent, builds confidence and helps create a more inclusive, productive economy.”

‍Kirsty Brownlie, Head of the Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust

In 2025, we announced an exciting new three-year partnership with Deloitte’s London Offices as part of their Social Impact programme. This incredible partnership will help Smart Works reach thousands more women across the UK with the clothing, confidence, and practical tools they need to transform their lives through employment. At a time when women’s unemployment is at its highest since 2018, Deloitte’s support could not be more needed. A heartfelt thank you to everyone in Deloitte’s London offices for recognising the power of our mission and joining us on this journey.

Our Primary Partners

We thank our Primary Partners for their continued and unwavering
support. They are integral to enabling our charity to reach over 10,000
unemployed women in need of our help every year.

Our journey together began in 2022, when we partnered with Clearpay, and now Square UK (both part of Block) are joining us on our mission. At the heart of this collaboration sits a joint mission of economic empowerment. This partnership supports Smart Works with its plan of helping 10,000 women a year into employment.

Bicester Village has selected Smart Works as one of its charity partners as part of the DO GOOD Programme supporting the empowerment of women and children. We are honoured to be working in partnership with Bicester Village’s philanthropic programme.

Helping people invest in their future is the core purpose of AJ Bell and sits at the heart of the AJ Bell Futures Foundation. Together, the partnership between the AJ Bell Futures Foundation and Smart Works has excelled in delivering the desired outcomes of cohesion, employee engagement and building community. We opened Smart Works Manchester City Centre in April 2023, with AJ Bell Futures Foundations propelling our centre to open and support women into work 3 months earlier than original projections. In 2024 the partnership won a Spirit of Manchester Award for Partnership and Collaboration.

The Permira Foundation supports Smart Works through both funding and pro bono assistance to drive our mission to reach 10,000 women a year by 2025.

Our Key Partners

We thank our Key Partners for their continued support.

Avison Young supports Smart Works through funding, strategic support and employee engagement. Together, we are helping more women build the confidence and skills they need to secure employment.

PayPal is proud to support Smart Works by providing funding, spotlighting Smart Works at checkout, and practical support to help deliver the Smart Works core service.

Starling is a long-term partner of Smart Works, collaborating closely across multiple campaigns to raise awareness and drive impact. Their sustained support helps us provide women with the confidence, skills and financial independence they need to succeed in the workplace.

Admiral supports Smart Works through a shared commitment to enabling employability, helping women gain the confidence, clothing and coaching they need to succeed at interview and in work.

The Hiscox Foundation is a long-term supporter of Smart Works, providing vital funding to help expand our service and support more women across the UK into employment.

The Inflexion Foundation supports Smart Works through funding that helps improve life chances and expand our impact, enabling more women to access the support they need to secure employment.

Long term supporter, raising vital funds and donating client and fashion sale stock.

Provides event stock and supports Smart Works through employee volunteering and the involvement of Founder Maxine Laceby.

Smart Works is Skin + Me’s exclusive charity partner; through the Invite‑a‑Friend programme customers can choose to donate £10 to Smart Works for every successful referral.

Donates thousands of interview‑appropriate pieces to our client wardrobe, showcases Smart Works in stores across the UK and with Creative Director Clare Waight Keller acting as a Smart Works Ambassador.