Leicester Social Enterprise scoops £500,000 contract » Communities » 24dash.com

A Leicester social enterprise has scooped a £500,000 contract to build a centre to help start-up businesses.

Newlife Regeneration Construction, part of the £8million TREES Group, has won the contract to convert new serviced offices above shops at 253 and 255 Belgrave Gate, in Leicester. The units can be rented out by businesses who want the freedom that serviced offices brings.

Newlife provides training and employment opportunities in the construction sector and employs more than 150 people. As a social enterprise, The TREES Group invests surplus profits in community causes in Leicester and further afield.

It beat off stiff competition from six other contractors by highlighting the social benefits it provides.

The new development - the Phoenix Studios – is the second project to be built by the Leicester Social Economy Consortium. It will provide support to business start-ups, advice on business formation and company law and assistance with accessing loan and grant finance. Around 25 people will be able to work from the units when completed.

The Leicester Social Economy Consortium is owned by the Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project, a Leicester-based charity.

The development of the Phoenix Studios is being financed by a £326,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund and a loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The European Regional Development Fund is helping the East Midlands to overcome social and economic obstacles to create a vibrant, prosperous and competitive region.

John Montague, Chief Executive of The TREES Group, said: “The TREES Group is delighted to be working on this project which will help create new businesses and new jobs in the city. What sets Newlife apart is our dedication to the local community and this contract means we can make an even bigger difference in Leicester.”

Newlife is expected to start work on the site on 14 July and the work will be completed before Christmas.

Leicester Social Economy Consortium Director, David Brazier, said: “As a social enterprise ourselves we are delighted to be able to employ Newlife, another social enterprise, to build this exciting new project for us. 

“Not only will the Phoenix Studios, when completed, be a base from which new enterprises can be launched - the construction process itself will create training opportunities for budding building workers and secure jobs for the local people employed by Newlife.”

Ian Paramore, Senior Property Manager for RBS in Leicester, said: “At the Royal Bank of Scotland we always looking for ways to support Regeneration in Leicester – the Phoenix Studios really fits the bill.”

TREES (Training, Regeneration, Education, Employment, Sustainability Services Limited) is the largest social enterprise group in the east midlands.

It has recently spearheaded a £1.5 million national project to encourage social enterprise in the homelessness sector, called Spark.

The TREES Group also includes gas servicing company Thorpete, conference venue Highpoint and landscaping firm Ground Control.