Birmingham-based Oxygen Finance are delighted to announce they’ll be supporting the Commonwealth Games, with employees volunteering at the Games and a company-wide day to celebrate.

Among the volunteers is Chief Technology Officer Rob Parker. Rob will be acting as a Games Ambassador Team Leader during the event. In honour of the Games, Oxygen Finance has also arranged a day of celebration and games at their company headquarters in Edmund Street.

We spoke to Rob Parker, Chief Technology Officer at Oxygen, about his role:

“The first event I’ll be involved in is the Triathlon. I’m volunteering as a Games Ambassador to guide people to and from games’ locations. The Triathlon will be held at my local park where I run a few times a week. I know every nook and cranny so should be able to help people get to the right place as quickly as possible. After that I’m volunteering in the city centre, guiding people to different venues and answering their questions.

“My hope for the Commonwealth Games is that people who haven’t been to Birmingham for some time revisit the city and see just how it’s changed. It’s fantastic how the games have helped raise the profile of the city, both for the people visiting and for those who work and live here. The city has been transformed in recent years and I’m so keen for people to see it.

“One of the things that drove me to volunteer was that I missed out on attending the 2012 Olympics. Several friends volunteered and really enjoyed it. When the Commonwealth Games came around, I knew I wanted to get involved and give back to a local event.

“The process of becoming a volunteer was impressive. Initially I thought you would just fill out a form, but it was quite a rigorous process with detailed interviews. Part of that was a uniform fitting, which I received last week – bag, hat, t-shirt and trousers. I think they’ve done a really good job engaging with volunteers.

“As well as volunteering I’ve managed to get tickets to the Opening Ceremony which is going to be great and to the Athletics on Friday. We’ll be going as a family and it will be good for my kids to see sport on such a big stage.

“The company has been really supportive, allowing me to take time off to complete the volunteer training and been flexible with time off during the games themselves. Oxygen has seen the value in giving back to the community of which we’re part. We’re also looking forward to the Marathon route going right past our offices!

“My big hope for the Games is that there’s going to be a massive buzz around Birmingham. There’s going to be lots of things going on in Victoria Square and Smithfield where the Basketball is taking place. I’d just encourage people to bring their families into town because there’s going to be so much happening.”

Helina Lad, Process Improvement Consultant and Social Value Lead at Oxygen Finance added:

“Oxygen Finance is proud of its Birmingham heritage, so when our team knew the Commonwealth Games were coming to Birmingham, Oxygen wanted to be part of it. We’re hosting a day of celebrations for all our team in our Edmund Street HQ with games, quizzes, and food, and we’ll also be hearing from our volunteers on why they believe the Games is so important to Birmingham. Our office is right in the heart of the action, and we are so pleased that our employees will play a part in the success of the event, living and breathing social value.”

Oxygen Finance helps businesses thrive and public sector organisations deliver economic and social benefit. Through early payment practices, big data and expertise, Oxygen allows public sector and private organisations to trade more effectively.