TSELF helps innovative Nottingham social enterprise win awards

Despite the continuing global recession, and small businesses reporting difficulties getting loans from the banks, one innovative Nottingham firm – Wheelbase – is going from strength to strength and winning national awards, thanks to funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

Launched in 1991 in Denman Street East, Radford, Wheelbase works with young people between 14 - 25 and provides accredited qualifications in motor vehicle and key skills alongside a Life and Social Skills Programme. Recently it has been awarded two National Training Awards (NTA) – the most prestigious awards for training in the UK.

A loan of £150,000 from TSELF enabled Wheelbase to move to new premises in Newark Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, helping to increase its ability to support greater numbers of students in the area.

Mick Clifford, CEO of Wheelbase, said they were delighted to win the two awards at a recent ceremony at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. “This is just fantastic. Wheelbase has an innovative view of how to change the lives of young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the awards recognise that.

“With this recognition and the support from TSELF, I know we will be able to help more young people who will benefit profoundly for being helped with life, education and real work skills,” he said.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive at TSELF, said: “Wheelbase is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help disadvantaged children and young people in the area and we are pleased to have been able to assist with funding.

“We are committed to helping social enterprises during these difficult times and would encourage any local social business to get in touch if they have funding needs at present.”

For further details visit the website www.wheelbase.org.uk.