Bristol-headquartered national law firm VWV is to become Bristol Old Vic’s first corporate partner under a new programme offering companies a bespoke, mutually beneficial relationship with the theatre.
Benefits of the programme include unique training and skills development for corporate teams and preferential access to space and experiences at the Old Vic – the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. 
In return, the corporate partners will invest in, and align with, Bristol Old Vic’s extensive community and engagement projects.
VWV’s investment under its three-year agreement, financial details of which have not been disclosed, will provide support for the iconic theatre’s creative programme of activity for young people, enabling much-needed bursaries for people to access its initiatives such as YoungSixSix, Young Company:City and Made in Bristol.
Bristol Old Vic executive director Charlotte Geeves, pictured, said the corporate partnership programme was rooted in building relationships with commercial organisations that shared values similar to the theatre, along with a “steadfast belief that creativity can and does change people’s lives for the better”.
She added: “It is fitting that VWV is our first partner as, having worked with us for many years, it understands the real impact our creative engagement work delivers. 
“This agreement means it is supporting our ability to grow the range of opportunities available to young people in Bristol.
“The current challenges for the cultural sector are well documented. Though we can prove how investment in the work we do contributes exponentially more to the UK economy, we understand that the public purse is under pressure.
“The corporate partnership programme is an example of how we’re working differently to try and plug the income gap we have due to the real-terms funding cuts we have received.”
As a long-established Bristol headquartered firm, VWV can trace its history back to the early 19th century.
Formerly named Veale Wasbrough, the firm became Veale Wasbrough Vizards following its in 2009 merger with London firm Vizards Tweedie before rebranding as VWV.
Today it has 90 partners and employs 500-plus staff across its Bristol headquarters and offices in London, Watford and Birmingham.
VWV partner Gareth Edwards said the collaboration with Bristol Old Vic reinforced its shared commitment to providing inclusive opportunities.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage with Bristol Old Vic and lend our support to its learning and development programmes and outreach projects,” he added.
“As well as spending more time in its impressive King Street home and enjoying brilliant theatre with colleagues, clients and friends of VWV.”
