BCHA achieves ‘ethical business award’

BCHA is celebrating having been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, demonstrating that they are in business to help society and protect the environment.  

The Mark identifies businesses which meet defined criteria for social enterprise, allowing consumers to recognise that businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit people and planet.  Having achieved the Mark, BCHA join well known social enterprises, including the Eden Project, Big Issue and Age UK.

Martin Hancock, Chief Executive of BCHA, commented:  “We are really pleased to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark.  It is a great achievement for us;  It recognises how truly motivated we are by our social objectives and how hard we work for the benefit of the community, reinvesting any profits we make through our social enterprise organisations into BCHA’s work with vulnerable and socially excluded people.”

Lucy Findlay, Managing Director, Social Enterprise Mark Company, said: “We are delighted to award the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark to BCHA.  Social enterprises come in all shapes and forms so it is great to see a vital social care provider understanding the importance of being part of the wider social enterprise movement.”

BCHA have a number of social enterprises, including their latest ventures – the Wheelie Great Bike Store (WGBS) and New Leaf Allotment.

The WGBS, located in Lansdowne, Bournemouth, offers people the chance to buy reconditioned, serviced bikes at affordable prices.  It is also an outlet for people to purchase new bikes and products for the growing skate and BMX scene in Bournemouth, including skateboards, longboards, clothing and most recently JD Bugs Pro Series Scooters.  

The WGBS is a great addition to Bournemouth, reducing landfill, encouraging cycling for a healthier lifestyle and providing training, jobs and volunteer roles to complement Government unemployment initiatives.   

BCHA’s New Leaf Allotment is a great initiative which aims to use its novel learning environment to bring local communities together.   A range of educational sessions are being introduced at the site, including advice on how to grow your own produce, plant and pest identification, composting, tree pruning and much more!