MORE than £76,000 has been invested in Somerset communities through a charitable fund established by Chilcompton-founded fashion brand Mulberry.

Founded in the town in 1971, the global brand created the Mulberry Somerset Community Fund in 2021 to give back to the county where the business began.

To date, the fund has awarded more than £61,000 in grants to local groups, alongside £15,000 to the Somerset Care Leavers Fund, which supports young people aged 18 to 25 years as they transition to independence.

The latest boost came on Somerset Day, in May, when Mulberry selected the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) as its charity partner for customer donations across its stores nationwide.

Customer donations raised an additional £2,320 for the fund, with half of the total matched through Adyen Giving.

Philanthropy and marketing director at SCF, Kristen Pye, said: “Mulberry is a fantastic example of a global business staying true to its Somerset roots.

“We were incredibly proud to be chosen as its charity partner during May, bringing Somerset communities to the attention of customers across the UK.

“Our local knowledge and strong relationships with charitable groups across the county allow us to help businesses like Mulberry give with purpose and strengthen their environmental, social, and governance goals, while making a real difference to local communities here in Somerset.”

Mulberry head of group sustainability Rosie Wollacott said: "Working with SCF connects us with local groups and organisations on the ground who need our support, but who we may never have come across ourselves.

“The fund has enabled us to give with purpose and strengthen our focus on projects that champion creativity, crafts, and mental health, while helping tackle wider challenges facing communities across Somerset.”

Businesses interested in supporting local communities through SCF can find out more on its website.