What happens when you give people a cause they care about, a clear goal and the freedom to make it happen?

At BI WORLDWIDE, the answer was Strive for The Hive – an employee-led challenge that raised more than £12,000, helped launch a new youth club a year ahead of schedule and created a lasting impact for young people in Whitehouse, Milton Keynes.

Today, we’re delighted to share that the programme has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Social Responsibility and Sustainability category at the IMA Europe Awards.

The IMA Europe Awards celebrate the most effective and innovative incentive, reward and recognition programmes across Europe. Being shortlisted places Strive for The Hive alongside some of the industry’s leading examples of engagement delivering meaningful results.

Delivered in partnership with the YMCA, the programme set out to support the opening of a new youth club serving young people aged 11 to 18 in the Whitehouse community. The original goal was to raise £11,000 to fund the club’s first year of operation while bringing BI WORLDWIDE associates together around a shared purpose.

Rather than asking people to simply donate, associates were challenged to create value. Teams received £500 in seed funding and were given responsibility for turning it into something bigger through their own ideas, events and initiatives.

The result? £12,077.99 raised for the YMCA.

Teams organised everything from product sales and fundraising activities to a private cinema screening attended by almost 140 people. Along the way, the challenge sparked collaboration, friendly competition and plenty of creativity across the business.

Most importantly, the funding enabled the new youth club to open a full year earlier than planned. Since launch, it has become the most popular youth provision operated by YMCA Milton Keynes, running twice a week and supporting up to 44 young people per session. Feedback from parents, attendees and YMCA representatives highlights stronger friendships, growing confidence and a genuine sense of community among those who attend.

The programme also reflects one of BI WORLDWIDE’s core values: reaching beyond our four walls. It’s a belief that meaningful engagement should create positive outcomes not only inside organisations, but within the communities around them.

Mike Davies, Managing Director, BI WORLDWIDE EMEA, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to see Strive for The Hive recognised by the IMA Europe Awards. What makes this programme special is that the impact continues long after the challenge ended. Our associates brought energy, creativity and commitment to a cause that mattered, and together helped create something with a lasting benefit for young people in the local community. This shortlist recognises everyone who played a part in making that happen.”

The winners of the IMA Europe Awards will be announced on the 30^th September in London. Whatever the outcome, we’re proud of what Strive for The Hive has achieved and of the difference it continues to make through our partnership with the YMCA.