AWARD FOLLOWS SUCCESSFUL PILOT PROGRAMME

A social enterprise, which provides transport for thousands of people in South East Northumberland, has received a prestigious award.

WATbus Community Transport, based in Bedlington, was named Social Enterprise of the Year at the Rio Tinto Alcan Wansbeck Business Awards. 
WATbus’ success follows a year in which it has taken part in a ground-breaking project with two other not for profit organisations - Northumberland STARS (Small Task and Repair Service) of Ashington and the Woodfuel Centre of Bedlington.

Under the direction of Colin Hall, of Social Enterprise Northumberland, they joined forces to employ a professional business development officer to provide practical advice on marketing and sales.  Funding was also provided by Go Wansbeck, the Enterprise Opportunities Fund, the Northumberland Strategic Partnership and Social Enterprise Northumberland.

Colin said: “Social enterprises have tended to focus on their social or community objectives and not on the marketing of the organisation.  With the increasing difficulty in gaining grant funding, this project aims to improve their long term sustainability.”

He described the Wansbeck Social Enterprises Business Development Project, the first of its kind in the North East, as a major success.  Three new full-time jobs have been created and, between them, the three social enterprises have generated new business to the value of £60,000.

He added: “The much deserved award was the icing on the cake.  All three organisations have worked very hard with Trevor Bell, the business development officer, to ensure this project succeeded.  I am delighted.”
WATbus has increased the number of people it transports to more than 3,600 a year.  It has received funding to train mini-bus drivers which, in turn, has led to more “self drive” hire and additional income.  Through its marketing activities it has also seen a big increase in the number of volunteer drivers now available.  This has risen by 35%, compared to the previous year, to 210 hours per week.

Although the pilot programme ends next month, Colin hopes it will continue.  He said: “We have proved that this works.  I would like to see it tried with other groups around Northumberland and, although it was designed for social enterprises, I see no reason why the model couldn’t work in the private sector.” 

Keith Raine, programme manager of Go Wansbeck, said: “This has been a very interesting and successful project which again demonstrates the original thinking and hard work which is making the Wansbeck area such a dynamic place for business.”

For further information about the business support and advice on offer in Wansbeck visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or call 01670 842888.