About us

Our story

A history rooted in 1843.

In 1843, a group of people in the ironmongery and hardware trade made a simple decision: no one in their industry should face hardship alone. They called it the Ironmongery and Hardware Trades Benevolent Institution. We call it the beginning.

What started as a pension fund for workers in the steel and metal trade has grown, over more than 180 years, into something far broader and stronger. The grants came first, then financial advice, then counselling, then the workplace wellbeing programmes that help people before they ever reach crisis point. The name changed. The sector changed. The world changed. But that original belief that people in our industry deserve someone in their corner, never has.

Today, we’re here for everyone from the apprentice just finding their feet to the experienced worker facing the hardest moment of their life. Independent traders. National retailers. Warehouse teams. Drivers. People who rarely ask for help, and who deserve to find it when they do.

We’ve been showing up for this sector for over 180 years. We’re not stopping now.

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Archive photograph representing the founding of the Rainy Day Trust in 1843.

Over 180 years in the making

We’ve helped many people along the way

Since 1843 to the present day we’ve been helping our industry people every step of the way.

1843

Where it all began

A group of people in the ironmongery and hardware trade come together in London with a shared purpose: to look after their own. They establish a fund to support distressed members of the trade and their widows. The Iron, Hardware and Metal Trades Pension Society is born.

1857 – 1897

Growing and adapting

The society widens its reach, creating a benevolent fund in 1857 to provide help beyond pensions. In 1893 the Prince of Wales attends its 50th anniversary at the Guildhall, Queen Victoria confirms royal patronage, and the society becomes the Royal Metal Trades Pension Society. By 1897, a new endowment fund allows support for people whose circumstances fall outside the original remit.

1908 – 1941

A changing landscape

In 1908 the Old Age Pensions Act introduces Britain’s first national pension scheme, reshaping how the society works. By 1921 it becomes the Royal Metal Trades Pension and Benevolent Society, reflecting its shift toward benevolent work. In 1927 an annual golf tournament is launched. Then in 1941 a bombing raid destroys the offices in Knightrider Street, losing nearly all records. Guest, Keen and Nettlefold Ltd step in with temporary accommodation. The work continues.

1943

100 years of showing up

The society marks its centenary. Under wartime conditions the celebrations are modest, but the milestone is significant: one hundred years of being there for people when they need it most.

1945 – 1973

New homes, new directions

Hardware Trade Journal (now DIY Week) provides a longer-term base on Bouverie Street from 1945. A belated centenary dinner follows in 1957. The society relocates to Ilford, Essex in 1972. In 1973 it drops the reference to pensions entirely, and Hardware Trade Journal records that since 1831 it has raised £719,000 and supported 3,625 beneficiaries.

1974 – 1999

Community, events and growth

A busy quarter century of fundraising and community. MDA launches the Home Enhancement Clay Pigeon Shoot in 1991, raising over £250,000 across 21 years. First Events launches the DIY Dinner in 1993, raising more than £250,000 over 14 years. Stax Trade Centres launches the RMTBS Karting Challenge in 1999, which goes on to raise over £50,000.

2004

A fresh name for a new era

The charity sheds its Victorian name and becomes Rainy Day Trust, a name that says exactly what it does. Supporting people for that rainy day, whenever it comes. The Partner scheme launches the same year, inviting companies to become long-term supporters.

2011 – 2023

Reaching further

A sponsored parachute jump in 2011 raises £19,800 and the trust reports it has given away over £1.1 million since 2003, returning £1.20 for every £1 raised. In 2012 a merger with the Pottery and Glass Trades Benevolent Fund substantially widens its reach. In 2018 Rainy Day Trust celebrates its 175th anniversary, with CEO Bryan Clover walking 175 miles in seven days. By 2023 the charity marks over 180 years of unbroken support for the sector.

2026

The next chapter

We’re building on our legacy, the crisis support that’s always been at our core, with a new focus on being there before. Over the next five years, we’re embedding prevention and early support alongside that safety net, helping people across our industry, past and present, live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.