CEO Sleepout Nottingham returns as charity warns homelessness problem is ‘at your doorstep’
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 September 2025
UPDATED: 25 September 2025
A homelessness crisis is unfolding in plain sight – and Nottingham’s business leaders are being urged to step up to tackle it.
New figures show that 137 people slept rough in Nottingham last month – with 51 bedding down on the city’ streets on any given night.
And analysis of Government data, published on the Rough Sleeping Dashboard, suggests the number of Nottingham rough sleepers has crept up during this decade.
The findings come ahead of a major annual fundraising event in the city by the national charity, CEO Sleepout.
The Nottingham CEO Sleepout takes place on Thursday November 6 at Meadow Lane Stadium.
The event aims to raise tens of thousands to support local charities tackling both homelessness and poverty. However, with record rates of homelessness across the UK, the charity’s CEO sees little cause to celebrate.
“We shouldn’t still need to do this, but the reality is that more people are struggling than ever before,” said Bianca Robinson.
“When you join a CEO Sleepout, you’re not just raising funds – you’re sending a message of solidarity and showing that the business world cares about the most vulnerable in our society.
"And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – just one night, a sleeping bag, and the courage to care.”
And this year, CEO Sleepout has launched a new campaign aimed directly at Nottingham’ business community.
Called ‘At Your Doorstep’, the campaign acts as a blunt wake-up call to the county's business community to highlight how they are uniquely positioned to transform lives for the better.
“Homelessness is no longer hidden. It’s everywhere. It’s on our commute, outside our offices, in our communities – it’s at our doorstep,” said Bianca.
"That is what the 'At Your Doorstep' campaign is trying to reinforce. While businesses and entrepreneurs have been hit in recent years by the likes of the National Insurance hike, they remain the wealth creators. And with that comes responsibility.
"And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – you just need a sleeping bag, one night, and a big enough heart to help.”
One person who is helping the charity this year is entrepreneur Ben Morton, a leadership trainer and coach. Ahead of this year’s fundraiser, he grabbed a sleeping bag and took to the streets – recording a time-lapse video of his experience.
"People walked past me without a second glance, so to think that this is reality for thousands of British people each day is harrowing,” said Ben, who started his career in the Army.
“During my time in the forces, I’d been used to ‘sleeping rough’, but this experience of gave me a different perspective and for those few hours, I just felt invisible.
“But in 2025, nobody should feel that way.
“And while we are all feeling the pinch in business, we are still in a special position of privilege where we can create jobs, wealth – and change.
“Homelessness really is at our doorstep, so we need to pull together and be the changemakers.”
Participants at the CEO Sleepout will brave the cold for a night outdoors at the football ground, and while the conditions are typically tough, Bianca said the experience of a sleepout is unforgettable - and one that shifts mindsets and save lives.
“There’s always laughter and while it’s cold, people come back every year because it matters,” she added.
“If you’ve done well in business, this is your chance to do good in the world. Join us in Oxford for one night that could change everything.”
For more information, or to take part, visit https://ceosleepout.co.uk/oxford
