BEST is delighted to announce Not Out Travel as our first charity partner as we seek to inspire many more children to lead healthy, active lives through sport and countryside education.
This new initiative aims to create ‘brighter futures together’, giving youngsters across the East Midlands opportunities to play, learn and grow outside the classroom.
It comes as BEST prepares to move into its new community, sports and education hub at Knipton in the Vale of Belvoir later this year, boosting our ability to reach more children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional needs.
Not Out Travel, which organises England Cricket supporters’ tours, has chosen BEST to be its UK charity partner.
It will engage its customers to support our grassroots education and sport projects and donate 50% of all funds raised through its fundraising activities to BEST.
Charlie Baker is managing director of Not Out Travel, based at Burrough-on-the-Hill near Melton Mowbray. He said: “As someone who grew up playing cricket across Rutland and surrounding areas, it’s a real privilege for Not Out Travel to be partnering with BEST.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that sport can have on young people, and the work BEST does in providing opportunities, developing confidence and supporting communities across the region is something we’re incredibly proud to support.
“With the help of our fantastic customers, we hope to continue to raise funds and awareness throughout our overseas tours, bringing together our wonderful community of cricket supporters to give something back to a cause that is making a genuine difference.”
Darren Bicknell, chief executive of BEST, is delighted to welcome Not Out Travel as a charity partner. He said: “We both believe in the power of community and sport to transform young lives – delivering healthy, active experiences builds confidence, fosters connection and improves wellbeing.
“In 2026 we are on track to reach a record 5,500 children – over 50,000 since the charity was founded. Over the next decade, if we are to double our impact, we will need more businesses like Not Out Travel to come on board.”
Martin Reason, chair of trustees, said aligning your business to BEST has many benefits.
“As a charity partner to BEST you will be part of something meaningful, helping to improve young lives, address rural isolation and tackle disadvantage.
“Becoming a partner will raise your brand’s visibility, boost community engagement and give opportunities for your team and customers to connect with a great cause. It’s a win-win.
“We invite you to be part of a regional movement creating positive, lasting change for thousands of children, building a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.”
- Not Out Travel organises bespoke England Cricket tours and is currently taking bookings for South Africa and Australia, with trips to Pakistan and Bangladesh to follow. For more information visit www.notouttravel.co.uk email info@notouttravel.co.uk or call 01664 901721.
- For more information about BEST’s Charity Partners scheme and key benefits visit https://www.support-best.org/get-involved/charity-partners/ and contact chief executive Darren Bicknell via email darren@support-best.org or on 07825 992406.
Darren and Charlie Baker