Grass is greener for Horticultural Acumen thanks to unique funding

Horticultural Acumen, a social enterprise plant nursery in County Durham, is going from strength to strength, reaching sales of over £200,000 and helping to get more people back into work thanks to financial support from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A recently awarded loan of £80,000 from TSELF has enabled Horticultural Acumen in Peterlee, part of the Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust, to employ 11 more staff through the Future Jobs Fund.

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 loan has also made it possible for the organisation to provide training and employment opportunities to over 30 people, previously disadvantaged in the labour market because of long term unemployment, homelessness or an offending background.

Set up in September 2009, Horticultural Acumen is a ten acre nursery with over 2.5 acres of heated glasshouses growing vegetable packs and bedding plants for the wholesale market.

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.”

For further information about Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust visit www.acumentrust.org.uk or call 0191 587 8000.