Argonaut Community Enterprises were delighted to celebrate their seventh year of operations in September. This achievement was made more significant by the fact that it is the largest social enterprise employer of deaf and disabled people engaged in soft facilities management. This helps in a small way in reducing the 56% joblessness amongst disabled people, against 4.6% nationally.
It has been a challenging year in securing new contracts, but Argonaut Community Enterprises has been extending its operations in Coventry and the Black Country, based on its performance with current contracts. Much effort has been made to secure new contracts, but major companies appear slow to grasp the social value of incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility in their supply chains. However, Argonaut Community Enterprises looks forward to extending and consolidating its presence with current contractors.
Argonaut Community Enterprises has seen three people leave the company to pastures new. Four people have joined, three to the Operations Team, and one as a Communicator for the Operations Manager. Some of the newer members of the Operations Team are being coached in readiness for the CSCS test in the next few months. This will allow them to work within construction sites in portakabins and new build cleaning.
Financially Argonaut Community Enterprises has seen a slow, but sure growth in its turnover through the year. One major expenditure has been towards replacing costly equipment and vehicles. Argonaut Community Enterprises thanks the People’s Lottery for the purchase of a large towing trailer, which reduces the need to make frequent trips to offload garden and general waste.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Managing Director wishes to express their gratitude to the staff for the sterling work over the year in all spheres of operations. The Board also applaud the stewardship of the Operations Manager for managing the logistics of the cleaning and gardening contracts, communications with clients and keeping an eye on the finances. He has been ably supported by two Outreach officers who have kept up smooth financial control and website maintenance.
Over the festive period the office will close at noon on 22nd December 2017 and will open on 2nd January 2018.
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.