Reedham Trust charity to benefit from Croydon car dealer's insurance firm

AN AWARD-WINNING Croydon car dealers is going into the insurance business to help raise money for disadvantaged children.

Keith Kingham, who runs Kinghams motors in South End, is teaming up with insurance brokers, Chris Knott, to create Kingham Insurance.

Kingham car dealers owner Keith Kingham has set up Kingham Insurance, which will benefit children's charity the Reedham Trust
Keith Kingham with one of the company's awards

But his company will not be benefiting directly from commission on policies because half of what it receives will go to the Reedham Trust, with the other half used to promote the charity and the charitable side of the venture.

Mr Kingham hopes the venture could raise up to £3,000 a year.

The Reedham Trust, based in Purley, was first established in 1844 and until 30 years ago ran an orphanage in Old Lodge Lane.

The charity's headquarters remain in Old Lodge Lane and it now concentrates on providing support to individual youngsters from severely disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Kingham, whose company won three prizes at last year's Croydon Business Awards, explained: "I became involved with the fundraising side of the trust back in 1994.

"I have not done that much recently but I felt now I am 60 that perhaps I am not doing that much for others. I thought that most of us have quite an easy trip through life and yet there are children like those the Reedham Trust supports who are fighting against all sorts of adversity."

Having examined ways Kinghams could help, he came up with the idea of using car insurance to support the charity.

Mr Kingham has worked with Chris Knott Insurance for a number of years and received a positive response after approaching them to back the initiative.

Under the deal the brokers will pass on 20 per cent of the commission they receive under the agreement to Kinghams, who will then pass on its share.

Mr Kingham was confident that Kinghams Insurance would be able to provide competitive rates for what he described as "the average motorist" and those taking out policies would also know that part of what they paid would help a very good cause.

The scheme, open to all motorists, is launched on Monday. Drivers interested in finding out more should call 01424 205064.