University business partner wins a 2017 Barclays Entrepreneur Award

University of Northampton partner, Goodwill Solutions, which provides work programmes for disabled people, ex-offenders and the long-term unemployed, has been selected as a regional winner in this year’s Barclays High-Growth & Entrepreneur Awards.

The company, which supplies warehouse services to businesses both here and abroad, will now represent the Midlands region in the Social Enterprise category at the National Finals to be held in October.

Professor Simon Denny, Executive Dean of Research, Impact and Enterprise, said: “For us, social innovation is bringing new thinking to help tackle long-standing problems. We work extremely hard to ensure that our constant drive for innovation is having a positive effect on the communities that we serve locally, nationally, and internationally.

“This prestigious business accolade is a very heartening affirmation of that fact.”

The awards acknowledge fledgling entrepreneurs and start-ups who are just beginning their journey into the world of innovation – as well as appreciating the more established companies who have already had a major impact in the enterprise arena.

The University of Northampton joined the business in 2012 as stakeholders, as the two organisations share an ethos of creating a positive impact on society.

Graham Tomkins, co-founder of Goodwill Solutions Group CIC, said: “I am delighted that Goodwill Solutions CIC has been recognised through this award.

“It is really unexpected and I would like to thank our employees, our customers, the University of Northampton, Barclays, the judges, and our service users for helping us to achieve recognition for our innovative social business.”

Founded in 2008, Goodwill Solutions CIC runs programmes which provide employment opportunities in the logistics sector which are funded from the organisation’s profits.

These programmes support disabled people, ex-offenders, and the long term unemployed.

In the last four years Goodwill Solutions CIC has supported more than 400 clients through its programmes, resulting in more than 300 gaining paid employment.

This has created a social impact value in excess of £6M in that time, and its various commercial and social ventures resulted in a turnover of £7.5M during 2016.

The awards are a celebration of Barclays most innovative entrepreneurs and businesses, as voted for by Barclays staff and a panel of regional and national judges.

Steve Morgan, Managing Director of Goodwill Solutions CIC, the logistics arm of the group said: “This award demonstrates that social businesses can compete in the commercial world, whilst delivering positive change in the local community.”

The National Finals to be held in London on the 11th October 2017. For more information on the Awards contact faye.hayward@barclays.com

For more information about Goodwill Solutions CIC contact Mike Britton – mike.britton@goodwillsolutions.co.uk – 01604 643185