At Empine, supporting our community is part of who we are. Many of the causes we care about have played an important role in shaping the people behind the company. That includes our Co-Founder, Jacob Knowles. His personal experiences have influenced the organisations we proudly support today.
Sea Cadets exists to launch young people for life. It gives 9 to 18 year olds opportunities to grow in confidence, learn new skills and make friends through adventure on the water and beyond.
Jacob joined Blackburn Sea Cadets when he was 12. He worked his way through every cadet rank and then joined the staff team at 18.
In 2016, he became a Trustee, helping guide the unit and supporting its long-term plans. In 2018, at the age of 24, he became the youngest Sea Cadet Unit Chairperson in the country. He still holds this position today.
During this time the unit has raised around £160,000. The fleet has expanded from one vessel to seventeen. Cadets now take part in more than 1,000 boating hours each year.
Empine has been a preferred supplier for the national charity for the past four years. We support many of their major events, including the National Trafalgar Parade in Trafalgar Square. We have also worked with more than fifty Sea Cadet units across the UK.
Rosemere Cancer Foundation supports world class cancer care across Lancashire and Cumbria. The foundation helps more than 200 patients every day through equipment, research and improvements that go beyond NHS funding.
Rosemere is personally important to Jacob. The foundation supported his auntie during cancer treatment when he was young. Later on it supported his grandfather as well. Because of this, Rosemere has always been a charity that matters to him.
Empine works with Rosemere on a wide range of print and marketing materials. This helps support the foundation’s fundraising, which totals more than one and a half million pounds each year.
Jacob has also taken part in fundraising himself, including raising £18,000 with BNI Endeavour through the Three Peaks Challenge.
In 2023, he joined the Rosemere Management Committee as Vice Chairperson. The committee reviews funding applications and helps guide the charity’s progress.
Empine is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a national promise that people who serve or have served in the armed forces, along with their families and cadet volunteers, are treated fairly and with respect.
Our commitment includes providing staff with ten additional days of leave if they serve in the Reserve Forces or volunteer with the cadet forces. We also work with military organisations such as Army battalions, Royal Navy Reserve units and military charities.
Empine holds the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award which reflects our ongoing support for the armed forces community.
These organisations have shaped Jacob’s life and values, and they reflect what matters to us as a business. From supporting young people to standing with families affected by cancer to recognising those who serve, Empine is committed to making a meaningful difference.