Scott Bros has unlocked a charity’s future growth potential by removing 50 tonnes of material from its site.
The work will allow Shaw Trust Enterprise North East to create a much-needed sales area for its garden produce as well as creating an attractive outdoor dining area for those using its adjacent coffee shop.
It is hoped the project will boost the number of visitors to its garden centre in Grangefield, Stockton-on-Tees, as well generating more income – all of which is ploughed back into the charity.
Shaw Trust, at its Shaw Trust Enterprises site at Bishopton Road and its sister site in Seaham, works with almost 70 young people and adults with learning difficulties, including autism.
Both nurseries operate as social enterprises with clients growing shrubs, plants and vegetables in greenhouses and polytunnels. The produce, together with garden furniture and accessories, are then available for sale.
The charity’s experienced team support their clients in learning new skills, including growing and caring for plants, woodworking, assisting customers, handling cash and grounds maintenance, to improve their confidence and help them into paid employment.
The new sales and dining area - which is opposite a children’s play area – is designed to increase the site’s popularity and its commercial activity.
The haulage and plant hire firm has also offered further support to the charity and plans to carry out remediation work on the car park.
Paula Maddison-Green, Enterprise Manager for Shaw Trust Enterprises North East, said the charity had no budget and was dependent on the kindness of Scott Bros. to carry out the work free-of-charge.
She said: “We have had plans to unlock the potential of this particular area for several years, but never had the necessary funds. Scott Bros readily agreed to help realise our vision, which we hope will generate more income and allow us to make a difference to the lives of even more disabled adults.
“Several of our clients have been involved in this project and everyone is very excited to see something finally happening. It will make the nursery more attractive by providing a welcoming place for customers to come and browse our products and enjoy a delicious snack from our coffee shop.
“This is a real milestone in the development of our Stockton site and one which will make a really positive effect. I’d like to thank Scott Bros for making it all possible.”
Scott Bros provided a mechanical digger and tipper truck to remove the 50 tonnes of material to level the area. It will be processed at the company’s recycling centre at Haverton Hill.
Company director David Scott Jr said: “As a family-run firm based on Teesside we are pleased to support local charities and good causes whenever possible.
“Shaw Trust makes a real difference to the lives of those with learning disabilities, providing them with the skills necessary to allow them to lead more independent lives. I hope our contribution will allow the Shaw Trust to continue its excellent work and help even more people.”
David visited the charity with cockapoo Logan, which he adopted after Scott Bros. recently provided free skips to Maxi’s Mates, a dog rescue and rehoming centre, near Guisborough.
Photo: Scott Bros’ David Scott Jr and cockapoo Logan are pictured with the Trust’s Stockton Enterprise team leader Phil Wood as work gets underway.