Acumen Community Enterprise has eyes set on growth
Aug 24 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal
A COMMUNITY interest company is using a £80,000 loan to develop its horticultural practices, and is helping some of the region’s most disadvantaged people find employment.
County Durham-based Acumen Community Enterprise has been given the funding by The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) to develop its Horticultural Acumen arm, which was set up last year and sees members of the community tend its 10-acre planting nursery in Peterlee.
Although the group has seen its turnover shrink from £3.5m to £2.5m and its workforce drop from 100 to 70 over the last two years, it believes it still has the capacity to play a vital role in the community, particularly as the economy struggles to recover.
Kate Welch, chief executive of Acumen, said: “The loan from TSELF has been invaluable, and has enabled us to operate a seasonal business and grow our customer base to over 50 customers, including 36 garden centres, two wholesale markets and a number of local parish and town councils for their ‘Britain in Bloom’ entries.
“Without the loan, we could never have taken the risk to start this business, as we only make large sales for four months of the year so need cash to invest in the purchase of compost, seeds, small plants and packaging, as well as cover the costs of wages and overheads during the winter as we grow for our peak of spring sales.”
The organisation has already used some of the money to help fund a number of training programmes, including an NVQ in horticulture, and now hopes to double its workforce at the site to 22 during spring next year.
The courses and employment opportunities are being offered to those disadvantaged in the labour market as a result of long-term unemployment, homelessness or a criminal record.
The nursery, which includes 2.5 acres of heated greenhouses growing vegetable packs and bedding plants, sells most of its produce to garden centres and the wholesale market, with Horticultural Acumen expecting it to double sales by next year to £400,000 with the help of the funding.
Acumen is now looking to build up its property operations, with the group currently refurbishing three social houses in East Durham.
Ms Welch said: “We help everyone from those unable to find work to those serving their probation.
“It is important that these people are given the opportunity to help themselves, particularly at this time.”
TSELF has, to date, invested £8m in social enterprises across the UK – helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.
Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “Horticultural Acumen is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help many disadvantaged young people in the area, so we are thrilled to be able to assist with funding.”
“TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”
