Recognising the time, effort and resources that Seco Tools UK (www.secotools.com) invested in making its 2018 Inspiration through Innovation manufacturing best-practice event such a success, technical partner Matsuura Machinery Ltd decided to donate £1,000 to Hope for Justice — Seco’s charity of choice.

Moreover, reflecting the spirit of partnership and collaboration at the heart of Inspiration through Innovation, Seco matched Matsuura’s donation; and in a recently held presentation ceremony at Seco’s Technology Centre in Alcester, representatives from both companies presented a cheque to Gary Booth, team leader at Hope for Justice.

Roger Howkins, managing director of Matsuura Machinery Ltd, said: “Seco’s recent Inspiration through Innovation event proved to be a great success.

"As a ‘thank you’ to Seco for its support and hospitality before, during and after the event, we’re delighted to donate £1,000 to its chosen charity.”

This is the second occasion that Matsuura has donated to Seco for organising and hosting the annual event.

In April 2018 a cheque for £2,000 was presented by both companies to Cancer Research UK.

Mike Fleming, Seco’s strategic marketing, products and services manager, said: “Human trafficking and modern-day slavery are constantly in the news, and it is estimated that 24.9 million people in the world today are subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

"These issues are not limited to developing countries; they occur right under our noses — here in the UK.

"Wherever human trafficking exists, we have a moral duty to end these practices, and that is why we are proud to support the work undertaken by Hope for Justice.”