Owned and operated by the Wolseley Community Economic Development Trust (W.C.E.D.T.), Wolseley Trust Business Park exists to encourage local businesses to develop and prosper in order to benefit people from the former Plymouth Wards of Ham, (includes the North Prospect area), Stoke, Keyham (now part of the new Devonport ward) and Trelawney (now also part of the new Ham ward). In 1997, Wolseley Community Economic Development Trust embarked on a journey as an innovative forerunner in community development trusts, opening and operating its first 25 unit business park and community facilities in an area of Plymouth desperately in need of regeneration – and jobs. Since then, over 260 jobs have been supported on that formerly derelict site on Wolseley Road, now brought back into lively economic use, giving local businesses an opportunity to developing in a supportive environment, with clear links to the other local business support services they may need. We have also been able to expand onto a second site- (but that’s another story- please see the separate links to information about our Scott Business Park and Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre.) The successful businesses who are our tenants on site mean job creation for those living in our area of benefit and preference are always shown to businesses demonstrating a commitment to local employment opportunities- we also work with partners to try and make the links between businesses and local people looking for work. W.C.E.D.T. also provides tangible benefits to the local community by using its trading surplus to support local community organisations and individuals, as well as through the encouragement of community businesses, such as those associated with child care, security, site maintenance, cleaning and catering. The revenue from our successful overall business operation supports and funds many community initiatives each year. Run as a democratic and community led organisation, the Trust has a nationally recognised, successful track record for partnership working. It has also provided local people with the support and training they need in order to manage this significant community business- we are a significant Social Enterprise. |