CCI set to expand its service to users

A South Lanarkshire social enterprise is set to expand its services to customers and offer greater employment opportunities to its members thanks to a funding boost from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).
Euan MacInnes (front) is just one of the adults who attends the social enterprise for work experience.Euan MacInnes (front) is just one of the adults who attends the social enterprise for work experience.
Euan MacInnes (front) is just one of the adults who attends the social enterprise for work experience.

Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), based in Lanark, provides employment to those with complex support needs, disability or illness. Offering construction, food production, furniture making and landscaping services, the group gives vulnerable individuals the chance to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

To help them on their mission, UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, dedicated to aiding the economic development of areas most affected by changes in the steel industry, has gifted funding of £2,500.

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The funds will go towards new equipment, such as a forced paddle pan mixer, that will allow the business to expand its capabilities specifically in the landscape and construction sectors. With greater productivity, CCI is set to create more training and employment opportunities for individuals with mental health issues, physical and learning disabilities.

Niall McShannon, Managing Director at CCI said: “We use a pioneering social enterprise model, that empowers individuals who typically face barriers to employment and give them the tools they need to contribute to their communities. However, our ability to give them a role within the organisation is dependent on us being able to access sustainable work.

“We have had an increase in demand recently, with a lot of customers looking for us to pave footpaths and driveways, but due to our lack of proper equipment, we’ve had to outsource this work. The funding from UKSE allowed us to purchase the tools needed to carry out the jobs ourselves.

“We are very thankful for the help we’ve received, and the UKSE grant provided will undoubtedly help us expand our services and secure employment for others.”

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Anne Clyde, regional manager at UKSE said: “The work that Clydesdale Community Initiatives carry out is fantastic and it’s great to see a local organisation with such an ambitious future.”

For more information on UK Steel Enterprise, or to enquire about community funding grands visit www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk/

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