The Give & Gain Day Launch featured speakers from Lloyds Banking Group, RCT Homes, Cardiff Blues, Sport.Cardiff and BITC. The audience listened to the incredible difference employee volunteering can make to some of Wales' areas of greatest deprivation.

The audience heard how it is a great opportunity for businesses to put something back in the communities they work in. Volunteers can see a wider perspective of the areas they work as well as the employer they work for. Volunteering on projects can increase staff skills, such as team building, communication and leadership skills. It also increases morale of a workforce - 89% of people that volunteered on last year's Give & Gain Day said that the perception of their employer has improved as a result of participating.

Welsh businesses have a strong history of supporting volunteering in the local community. Last year, 26 companies in Wales sent out 860 volunteers on Give & Give Day helping out 30 community projects. 5,116 volunteer hours were spent, equating to £85,000. This is an invaluable benefit for community organisations facing tough times.

Give & Gain Day 2013 is dedicated to getting thousands of employees out of the office, store or factory, to volunteer in their local communities. By making volunteering fun, accessible and inspirational we want to make it something that all businesses give their staff an opportunity to do in work time.

Companies that want to make a difference in their communities and get involved with Give & Gain Day should visit www.bitc.org.uk/giveandgainday