Aspire Group awarded Social Enterprise Mark

The Aspire Group, based in North Staffordshire, has become one of the first organisations in the country to be awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark.

The stamp of endorsement tells customers that a product or service comes from a social enterprise, and is therefore creating a social or environmental benefit.

It also allows organisations to demonstrate their commitment to local communities through social enterprise and regeneration, and differentiates them from other businesses.

The Aspire Group provides more than 20,000 customers with quality affordable homes and services across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

Committed to improving homes and neighbourhoods, and transforming the life chances of local people, it consists of Aspire Housing, PM Training and a soon-to-be-launched charity.

PM Training, the largest social enterprise subsidiary of any UK housing association, tackles worklessness by giving those with few or no qualifications an alternative route into employment. It became part of the Aspire Group in August 2008.

Both Aspire Housing and PM Training have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark.

Sinead Butters, Chief Executive of the Aspire Group, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to receive the Social Enterprise Mark before it is rolled out nationally.

“We are keen to ensure that as a business we do all we can to improve our customers’ life chances, and those of everyone living in North Staffordshire.

“Getting more young people into long-term employment benefits them, and society as a whole.”

Will Nixon, Chief Executive of PM Training, added: “For us it is recognition that not only are we achieving our social goals, but as a business we are the top training provider in Staffordshire for enabling young people from disadvantaged areas to progress into apprenticeships and employment.”

PM Training has provided training and work placements for nearly 10,000 people since it was established in 1982.