Rapleys donates expertise to help guide animal sanctuary’s exciting new chapter

Rapleys has partnered with Wythall Animal Sanctuary as part of the charitable organisation’s drive to reposition itself and offer more to the local community.

Rapleys has offered pro bono support to the animal sanctuary in the form of on site surveys, feasibility studies and a strategy that puts in place how best to maximise the asset and open it up to possibilities including educational and wellbeing visits and other community engagement initiatives. It is also reporting on how to elevate ESG activities so the estate is future proofed.

Wythall was set up in 1968 by a husband-and-wife team to house animals that had been mistreated, abandoned or sick, and it latterly evolved into a charity. It is currently home to a number of cats, dogs, rabbits and two small ponies across its 5.6 acres and 243,910 sq ft of buildings.

Over the last 12 months, the team behind Wythall has expanded, bringing in more experienced professionals in the sector as Trustees and, as part of its growth plans it put out a call to partner with more corporate advisers. Rapleys responded via the West Midlands RICS, which its Head of Birmingham Richard Crow is Chairman of.

Stefan Maxwell, Trustee of Wythall Animal Sanctuary, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Rapleys team for its stellar pro bono advice. We are also extremely excited about the future of our sanctuary and the opportunities that Rapleys are identifying in order for us to open up the estate for greater community engagement. We look forward to sharing these plans in due course.”

Richard Crow, Head of Birmingham at Rapleys and West Midlands RICS Chairman, added: “It is a pleasure to work with such a worthwhile organisation and help them shape their important future plans. The team have enjoyed spending time at the sanctuary and looking into what’s possible for its expansion into new activities, whilst also advising on sustainability potential to support a long-term successful strategy.”