Corporate Fundraising with Smile Train UK: How a Corporate Partnership Built Purpose at E-ZU Solutions

I was born with a cleft lip, a condition that not only shaped my early years but also my outlook on life. I understand what it means to face visible challenges and what a world of difference it makes when someone offers you the chance to smile with confidence. That’s why Smile Train’s work resonates with me so deeply: They don’t just support smiles; they restore dignity, opportunity, and hope.

As I built my career and eventually founded E-ZU Solutions Ltd, a cyber security firm dedicated to protecting people and data, I carried those lessons of resilience and empathy into every decision. In our industry, we talk a lot about protection, but I believe true protection goes beyond technology; it’s about humanity. Partnering with Smile Train has allowed me to bring that belief to life, both personally and professionally.

What began as a personal connection evolved into a long-term corporate partnership. Through fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and my role on Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council, our company has found a purpose that extends beyond profit. Our team members feel proud knowing that their work helps support surgeries for children around the world, children who, like me, were born with a cleft and simply need a chance.

“Our partnership with Smile Train has strengthened our team, inspired our clients, and reminded us of what truly matters.”

- Steve Anthony

The impact has been profound. Supporting Smile Train has strengthened our internal culture, fostering empathy, collaboration, and shared pride. Clients have taken notice too. They see a company that stands for something real. In a competitive industry, that authenticity has become one of our greatest differentiators.

Long-term employees at E-ZU often speak about how supporting Smile Train has become deeply personal to them as a team. Sam Lockwood, Head of Marketing at E-ZU Solutions, reflects:

"Supporting Smile Train isn't just something we do to tick a box for corporate social responsibility; it has become a genuine part of our organisation's heart and identity, giving our work at E-ZU a deeper sense of purpose. Steve first introduced many of us to the charity through his own connection to the cause, and over time, our involvement has grown into something truly meaningful. It’s humbling to know that the work we do each day helps us, as a company, play a role in positively shaping the futures of children around the world.

“Thanks to our partnership, we’ve been able to help over 60 children receive life-changing cleft surgery. This isn’t simply a one-off intervention, but a lasting impact that transforms how those children eat, speak, access education, and overcome social isolation and stigma. For us, one of Smile Train’s greatest strengths is in knowing that every pound raised has a direct, tangible impact. It allows us to reflect on the real lives of the children we’ve helped with a deep sense of gratitude and significance."

Beyond business metrics, this partnership has been a reminder that corporate success and social responsibility are not opposing goals, but powerful allies. When companies choose to align with causes like Smile Train, they don’t just change lives, they change how they do business. They inspire teams, build loyalty, and create ripples of impact that reach far beyond the balance sheet.

I’m deeply grateful to Smile Train. Not only for the work they do for cleft-affected individuals globally, but for giving people like me a chance to give back. Together, we’ve proven that when business and compassion meet, everyone wins.

"For 15 years, E-ZU Solutions has been a vital partner to Smile Train. Their commitment of over £20,000 has delivered free cleft surgery and other comprehensive care to countless children worldwide. We look forward to strengthening this corporate partnership and additional partnerships to further amplify our global impact."

-Jonathan Roberts, Senior Manager, Community Development, Smile Train UK

If more companies support Smile Train, we can ensure that every child with a cleft has access to the life-changing care they deserve and that businesses around the world can share in the profound rewards of changing the world one smile at a time.