Bradley Fried, Deputy Chairman of the Court of the Bank of England, proved a charismatic speaker when he addressed a 200-strong crowd at Kisharon’s inaugural business breakfast on Wednesday 11 November. Taking place at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel and sponsored by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, the fundraiser gave a welcome £35,000 boost for Kisharon’s work supporting people with learning disabilities.

Following his Bank of England appointment, Mr Fried spoke of total strangers accosting him at shul and in a kosher bakery – expecting insights into mortgage rates or foreign currency for their holidays! The South African-born financier’s former roles include CEO of Investec before setting up his own company, Grovepoint Capital LLP. He went on to give a personal take on issues affecting humanity as well as the global and national economy – avoiding comment on the Bank of England, other than calling it “a remarkable institution.”

A short film showed how people with profound disabilities who are supported by Kisharon can participate in corporate life thanks to the charity’s employment programme. The audience heard from Kisharon Chief Executive Dr Beverley Jacobson and Fundraising Director, Richard Franklin. Guests were urged to offer employment to Kisharon clients for even one hour a week, enabling them to tackle a range of basic tasks and enjoy the experience of work.

This tied in with Mr Fried’s observations on modern technology replacing people’s jobs and the skills gap affecting unemployment. An estimated 3 million trained youth are unemployed in continental Europe and yet employers say that 37% of jobs are unfilled due to lack of skills.

Effusive in his praise, Mr Fried said: “It is a great pleasure to be associated with Kisharon – it is an outstanding organisation that is truly in the heart of our community.”

Freshfields’ partner Jeffrey Rubinoff who had introduced the film, said: “Kisharon is a fabulous organisation that does incredible work.  Your support will give people with learning disabilities the chance to aspire to do something we get to complain about every day – going to work!”

Afterwards, Kisharon Chairman Philip Goldberg said the event had been “a fantastic success.”

Photo: John Rifkin