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GOVERNMENT VISIT FOR SOCIAL FIRM09/05/2008
Stephen Timms, the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform visited the Social Firm, Café Nova Interchange on the 28th April to pledge his support for the work that the business is doing within a unique sector of social enterprise. Like all Social Firms, Café Nova Interchange is a market-led business set up to create paid employment for people who are severely disadvantaged in the labour market. Café Nova Interchange has been trading in the Elephant and Castle shopping centre since 2001. It started its life as a sandwich round known as LAM Catering in 1997, and was gradually developed to include catering for functions such as weddings and business meetings before settling into the café site at Elephant and Castle from where it now operates. Manager Amelia Suarez said: “I was delighted to meet Stephen Timms and talk with him about providing training and employment for people who are significantly disadvantaged in gaining employment. The most satisfying thing was showing him how we have successfully employed people who were previously in day centres and are now able to make a living the same as any other able person. They have adapted extremely well and I am immensely proud of everyone in the team.” The Elephant and Castle shopping centre is due to close down at some point over the next 12 months, so Amelia and the team are currently looking for new premises. Stephen Timms had this to say: “To achieve their social values, Social Firms must achieve business success. I was impressed to see how this model ensures that there are real jobs and real wages for people with mental health problems, disabilities and other severe disadvantages.” Stephen Timms is opening this year’s Social Firms UK annual conference at Reading University, taking place from the 23rd to 24th June. Social Firms UK Chief Executive Sally Reynolds said: “We are delighted that Stephen Timms has agreed to open the conference. I believe this shows the Government’s commitment to the essential role Social Firms can play in providing real employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.” -Ends- For more information please contact Sam Corry or Vicky Hoad Blue Rocket Group 01273 779 196 sam@bluerocketgroup.com |
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