We're delighted to welcome Jane Daunt as the newest member of our Board of Trustees, bringing with her a wealth of retail experience to enhance our charity’s retail operations.
Jane’s connection to Pendleside began well before her official appointment. Having recently retired after 18 years as Store Director at Boundary Outlet in Colne, Jane developed a strong relationship with the Hospice through the department store's frequent selection of Pendleside as their Charity of the Year. “During my time at Boundary Outlet, I saw firsthand the enormous contribution Pendleside makes to our local community,” Jane explains. “I realised that I wanted to be part of that journey in a more direct way, especially as I enter this new chapter of my life.”
With over 40 years of experience in department store retailing, Jane, originally from Scotland, began her career as a graduate trainee at Lewis’s in Glasgow. Since then, she has worked with some of the UK’s most renowned retail names, including Debenhams and House of Fraser, in cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester.
“Retail is a fantastic career for people who love working with others and thrive in a fast-paced environment,” Jane says. “Whether a shop is big or small, the principles of retail remain the same. My goal at Pendleside is to use the skills I’ve developed over the years to help the shops bring in more revenue. That way, we can contribute even more to the Hospice and the community it serves.”
“I’m a firm believer in great customer service and giving people the best possible experience while they shop, and that’s exactly what we aim to do at Pendleside. While my role is about boosting income, I’m also deeply committed to ensuring that the values of the Hospice are reflected in every aspect of our retail operations.”
Working alongside Chief Executive, Helen McVey and Head of Income Generation, Louisa Mayor, Jane is already setting the wheels in motion for a comprehensive retail strategy. “For many people in Burnley and Pendle, our shops are their first point of contact with the Hospice,” Jane notes. “It’s crucial that these shops not only raise funds but also promote and reflect the very best of Pendleside. We’re aiming to create retail spaces that are as outstanding as the care we provide.”
“We’ve got nine shops in prime locations, each with a dedicated and passionate team. By creating great-looking shops, we can attract more customers, raise more money, and ultimately support more people through Pendleside’s services. The great thing about our Hospice shops is that the money raised is all spent locally for the benefit of the people in Burnley and Pendle.”
Helen McVey, is thrilled to have Jane on board, adding, “Jane’s extensive retail experience and deep understanding of our values makes her an invaluable addition to our team of 13 trustees. As Pendleside’s retail operations undergo an exciting transformation, Jane’s guidance and expertise will be instrumental in helping us enhance our shops and ensure they reflect the care we provide. We’re excited to work with Jane as we continue to provide exceptional support to our community.”
Jane has lived in the area for over 30 years and holds a strong connection to the local community. Her experience of her father’s care by Lanarkshire Cancer Care in Scotland has given her a profound appreciation for the role hospices play in supporting families during difficult times. “I know from personal experience how vital hospices are,” she says. “That’s why I’m so passionate about making sure that Pendleside’s shops succeed—they’re a crucial part of how we fund the amazing work Pendleside does.”
As Pendleside continues to evolve, Jane’s appointment marks an exciting step forward in our mission to provide outstanding care to the community. With her at the helm of retail operations, the Hospice is well-positioned to make our shops not just places to buy, but places that embody the spirit of Pendleside.
We invite everyone in the community to visit our shops and support the work being done every day. Every purchase or donation of goods to the Hospice goes directly towards providing care and support for people in Burnley and Pendle.
Last year, we raised an impressive £375,663 through retail operations, including revenue from the furniture store, the eBay shop, and the recently added Dragonflies Boutique in Barrowford.
To find your nearest store, please visit our Charity Shops page.