A SUCCESSFUL company could spend its profits on plush offices, company cars and bonuses for its staff.

But architects One17 decided to set up a charitable trust to provide financial and practical support for local good causes with a portion of their profits.

The company, based at The Dyehouse in Armitage Bridge, has given £53,000 and hundreds of hours’ work to charities and community groups around Huddersfield in the two years since it was set up.

One17, which evolved from the Arthur Quarmby Partnership in the mid-1990s, launched the One17 Charitable Trust in December 2010.

The trust was established to provide money and practical help to people or organisations in need and to improve educational opportunities for young people.

For example, One17 has given financial and practical donations to the Welcome Centre, Lord Street, Huddersfield, which provides help for people in crisis.

One17 charity trustee Caroline Lee said: “We made a commitment to stay in the area and we wanted to give something back.

“We get involved with local charities, especially smaller local charities and give in-kind support, like designing flyers and leaflets and providing business support in terms of marketing and promotion.

“We feel very lucky to be in the position we are and it’s nice to give something back and help people – and to do it as much as possible within our local community.”

For more information about One17 Charitable Trust visit: www.one17design.com/charity.