ClearCoursers are rowing in the same direction – all for a very good cause

Over the past couple of years, we’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes here at ClearCourse to build what we hope is a brilliant business. 

But what does that really mean? 

To one person, a brilliant business could be one that is solely focused on making as much money as possible; to another, it could mean a business that creates brilliant products and has a positive impact on the world. 

For us, it’s a combination of many aspects. Of course, we need to make money so we can invest it back into the business and our brands to help them grow; we also want to create and develop brilliant products and affect the lives of people who use our software in a positive way. 

But to us, a brilliant business is about far more than that. It’s about creating an environment that attracts brilliant people. It’s about that environment bringing out the best in them, celebrating and embracing their diversity, and all of the talent, insight and inspiration they bring. 

And it’s also about creating a spirit of inclusiveness that goes far beyond our business and into our communities. It’s about harnessing the power of what is now a sizeable business to create a genuine impact on the world around us. 

Talking the talk, rowing the Thames 

On our website, you’ll find a whole section devoted to our values – our approach to sustainability, how we view inclusion, diversity and equality, and our value system. 

We have partnerships with Ocean Bottle, which make water bottles from ocean plastics. We have tree planting initiatives with One Tree Planted and Ecologi, and we’re always on the lookout to support other initiatives that have a lasting, long-term impact. 

Another organisation we’re proud to be supporting is London Youth Rowing, a charity that helps develop successful, determined, active young people from across the country through programmes such as Active Row. 

This flagship programme focuses on engaging young people who are less likely to participate in physical activities, such as those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, girls and individuals with special educational needs or a disability. 

This year, the organisation has helped 4422 young people, 57 per cent of whom were Black and Minority Ethnicity participants, and 41 per cent female. 

Every year, London Youth Rowing raises much-needed funds to deliver its programmes by hosting its Race the Thames event.

Teams can compete in the live event on 3 March 2023 – one in London and the other in Leeds, or take part in the virtual fundraiser, which runs from 27 January to 3 February 2023. 

ClearCoursers: Ready! 

Last year, 88 ClearCoursers across 11 teams raised more than £10,000 for the charity, and in 2023, 20 teams totalling 160 people are taking part in the event – and we’re aiming to raise significantly more for a very worthwhile cause. 

It’s a challenge – each team will row 346km (215 miles) – and has just eight days to do it. Of course, as well as the charitable aspect, it’s also a great way to encourage our team to enjoy the fitness and mental health benefits exercise brings. What a way to start a new year and truly blow away the January cobwebs! 

The ClearCourse teams are raring to go – we’ve had some inspiration and expert tips from three-time Olympic Gold Medallistand four-time world champion rower Andrew Triggs Hodge, who dropped by our London office in November to pass on his expertise. 

Andrew is also part of the London Youth Rowing team, so he knows only too well the importance of the organisation and the work it does right across the country. 

We’ll share stories of our participation across social media during the virtual event, and we’d love it if you can support us in any way. 

It takes brilliant people to make a brilliant business – and we genuinely value the enthusiasm with which our ClearCoursers embrace this challenge. 

So, let’s get rowing!