Meet our new Corporate Relationships Manager

We are delighted to welcome on board Andrew Lofthouse, our new Corporate Relationships Manager.

Andrew has an extensive corporate background, having been an investment banker working across the globe and running senior teams for nearly 20 years before becoming a top 500 qualified wine expert and cheesemonger. However, Andrew’s real passion was to give more back to the local community and after returning to South Yorkshire and Sheffield 20 years later, having held numerous board and trustee charity positions is passionate about making a difference.

Andrew said: “I joined b:friend because I have always been very charity-focused throughout my life but I wanted to do much more. I am passionate about utilising my corporate background and networking skills to drive the charity forward by building increased visibility and long term strategic partnerships.

“I have firsthand experience of befriending for older neighbours and have seen the impact to both the lives of the volunteers as well as the older neighbours. The social clubs are a superb way of furthering life experiences and enjoyment for which I am very proud to now be a part of moving forward.”

Read Andrew’s bite-sized bio

Started at b:friend – January 2026

Loves: Wine, Cheese, Hallam FC, travelling the globe, playing padel and hiking whenever possible

Dislikes: Lack of compassion or empathy, lateness

Best b:friend memory: My first day was the Christmas Party for our Older Neighbours, visibly you can see the enjoyment, fun and energy in the room that gave a great example of the importance of being part of the b:friend charity.