Michael Ellis MP officially opens Goodwill Solutions’ new building at Moulton Park

Goodwill Solutions CIC, a logistics business and a University of Northampton social enterprise partner, which enables ex-offenders to get back into mainstream society through work programmes, officially opened its warehouse at its new premises on Moulton Park on 21 March.

Michael Ellis MP attended the opening event, which incorporated the launch of the Logistics Academy that aims to further increase the social impact the company delivers by significantly increasing the number of people who will receive training and support to find and secure a job. It will also reduce unemployment costs and increase the UK tax base.

Goodwill Solutions has been running social impact programmes since it started trading in 2008, funded through the company’s trading surplus, as the key part of its social mission. After finishing the programme, clients either gain employment with Goodwill Solutions or are helped to find jobs in local logistics companies through the network of contacts that the management of the company has developed as a result of its cumulative 105 years’ experience in the sector.

Goodwill Solutions also has a social enterprise hatchery that provides affordable work spaces where people can not only have a desk, but also get the information, advice and training they need to start a new social enterprise.

Research carried out by the University of Northampton shows that the programmes Goodwill Solutions ran between 2009 and 2013 for over 200 clients were worth at least £3.5 million in value to the taxpayer in the 2011/2012 tax year.

Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North commented: “I’ve been a supporter of Goodwill Solutions from the embryonic stage and delighted that it has become a classic example of how business can play an integral part in social action and progress.

“We need to see the value of people, who for various reasons have fallen on hard times or fallen foul of the criminal justice system and they shouldn’t just be written off. I think businesses like Goodwill Solutions are putting those thoughts into action as they are helping people, who aren’t necessarily in the minds of other businesses to help, so it really is a positive force for good.”

Mike Britton, Managing Director of Goodwill Solutions, commented: “We are delighted that Michael Ellis was able to come and officially open our new premises today and we would like to thank him and the University of Northampton for their support throughout our journey. Goodwill Solutions is going from strength to strength and together we can help some of the most disadvantaged people in Northamptonshire to have better lives.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “Making positive social change is at the heart of the University’s ethos and offering our students and staff the opportunity to work with companies, such as Goodwill Solutions, enables us to create the Changemakers of the future.”