Henrik is the unflappable Managing Director of Flemings Mayfair, and an unstoppable force when it comes to raising awareness of some of the stark inequalities faced by people who live, work and stay in London.
Henrik is used to greeting dignitaries, celebrities and those with discerning taste, ensuring their stay in London is comfortable, if not exceptional. Mayfair, the home of Flemings, is arguably one of the most affluent areas of London, where the world’s movers and shakers come together for a slice of London luxury. But as with any London postcode, W1 sees great wealth inequality, where the gap between the haves and have nots could not be more stark.
Some of those who make up the city’s rough sleeper population can be found in nearby doorways on Piccadilly, taking solace in Green Park, and congregating around The Strand and Charing Cross, where they can get some relief from hunger and access support.
This is where Henrik and his team can be found pitching up every Friday evening from 6pm near Charing Cross Station, Strand, London as part of the incredible work of Charity Begins at Home. Solely run by volunteers, CBAH serves over 200 meals every week to people who are hungry, vulnerable and homeless. People can grab a bag and fill it with essentials like bread, milk and juice, and enjoy a hot meal, cooked lovingly by the team in the kitchen at Flemings Mayfair. To date, Flemings Mayfair have donated over 5000 hot meals to people in need.
There could not be a better way to embed the concept of social value into a business. Henrik’s team is fully involved and supportive of this community activity. Henrik believes it’s important for staff to understand the many challenges faced by people for whom life has not been kind.
In 2021, Henrik spent a night outdoors, raising money for Charity Begins At Home as part of CEO Sleepout London at Lord’s. We were delighted to present Henrik with a £13,000 cheque for Charity Begins At Home as a result of his incredible fundraising effort.
Henrik said.” Having seen with my own eyes the huge numbers of homeless people in the city, I feel we can and should all play our part by supporting those incredible frontline services that make a huge difference in alleviating some of the stresses and strains of living on the streets. We have a responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Henrik (right) with a volunteer for Charity Begins at Home.
Henrik embodies the kind of inspirational leadership we want to see among business leaders. CEO Sleepout events aim to raise money and awareness of some of the issues surrounding homelessness in the UK. But our overarching mission is to embed a sense of purpose among business leaders, who possess the power to move the dial when it comes to creating real social value and strengthening communities. A strong sense of place is often the starting point, and Henrik’s commitment to the local community in and around Mayfair is wonderful to see.
Henrik at CEO Sleepout London at Lord’s, 2021.
Congratulations Henrik for being a leader with purpose.
If you’d like to get involved with Charity Begins At Home, please click here.
If you’d like to take part in CEO Sleepout, please click here.
If you’re a leader with purpose and embedding social value, we’d love to hear about it. Please let us know by emailing us here.
