Renaissance Legal, which forms part of the Renaissance Group of companies alongside Renaissance Trust and Renaissance Financial, has committed to supporting Amaze’s “The Story Trail” as an official Trail Sponsor. This initiative brings to life more than 30 BookBenches across Brighton and Hove between September and November 2026, turning the city into an open-air storybook for all to enjoy.
What is The Story Trail?
Organised by Amaze, the Sussex charity supporting families with disabled children, in partnership with Wild in Art, the Story Trail is a creative public art initiative designed to celebrate reading, creativity and accessibility. Each BookBench will be an open-book sculpture, lovingly designed by local artists, and placed in streets, parks and open spaces across Brighton and Hove. The trail also includes smaller BookBenches decorated by local schools and community groups, weaving together a shared narrative across the city.
Why this matters to us
Brighton is not just where the three companies – Renaissance Legal, Renaissance Trust and Renaissance Financial – operate from. Brighton and Hove is home, and it holds personal and professional significance for the expert team and many of their clients.
Renaissance Legal’s ongoing relationship with Amaze stretches back many years, through pro bono support, event partnerships, and shared values around inclusion, community, and accessibility.
Philip Warford, Managing Director, says:
“Since we launched 15 years ago, Renaissance Legal has grown alongside Amaze, whose dedication to children, families and accessibility has always struck a chord with us. To be involved now, together with our colleagues at Renaissance Trust and Renaissance Financial, feels really special. This trail is more than an art project: it’s a chance for us, as a Brighton-founded firm, to give back to our city, to help bring people together, and to support Amaze’s mission in a visible, lasting way.”
In the coming months, artists will be invited to submit designs for the BookBenches, with Schools and local groups being involved in decorating smaller benches, adding their own chapters to the city’s story.
Sally Polanski, Chief Executive at Amaze added: “Renaissance have been long term supporters of our work, and we’re excited to have them on board as a sponsor for The Story Trail.
“The trail is about belonging and inclusion – values which we know are close to Renaissance’s work across Legal, Trust and Financial. We’re really excited to continue working with them on The Story Trail and beyond.”
A public map and mobile app will be launched to guide people around the trail. Further updates will be shared by Amaze on the charity’s channels, any by the Renaissance Group of companies as the trail takes shape.
Scott Clayton, Managing Director of Renaissance Trust a specialist Trust Company which launched in 2022, said:
“Renaissance Trust’s sponsorship reflects our commitment not only to a high-quality professional service for the clients we advise locally (and beyond), but also to socially meaningful endeavours. We’re looking forward to seeing the trail in full bloom in 2026, and to playing our part in a project that brings art, reading and community closer to home.”
Francis Jarman, Chartered Financial Planner and Director at Renaissance Financial, said:
“Supporting Amaze’s Story Trail is a perfect fit for us at Renaissance Financial. Financial planning is ultimately about helping people build the future stories they want for themselves and their families, and so being part of a project that celebrates creativity, inclusion and shared journeys across our city really resonates with us. It’s inspiring to see Brighton and Hove come together in such a positive, imaginative way, and we’re proud to play a small part in that.”
Once the trail begins, the sculptures – including the dedicated Renaissance BookBench – will be displayed in public areas across the city for eight weeks. After this time, they will be displayed all in one location at a farewell exhibition in November 2026. They will then be auctioned off to raise money for Amaze.
For further information about the Story Trail, visit the Amaze website here.
