Builders Brew Up A Profit At Wrexham Cafe

Builders regularly using a Community Café while working on a social housing project in Wrexham have helped to double its turnover. Forrest, who specialise in social housing regeneration – has more than 50 operatives working on the Caia Park Estate and its staff use the café twice a day when on site.

The increase in use has resulted in a twofold rise in revenue and meant the café has been able to create a new full-time position. Josh Daly has been engaged through employment programme, Jobs Growth Wales on a six month placement. Once this is completed he will progress on to a full-time apprenticeship through the café.

Forrest has been working in Wrexham since December 2011 when it was employed to deliver Solar PV installations to more than 3,000 social housing properties. Following the successful competition, it was awarded its second contract on the Caia Park Estate worth £3.2 million to replace external wall insulation (EWI), boilers and windows.

Both projects have been fully funded through the Government’s Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which requires energy suppliers to subsidise environmental improvement works in low income areas.

Lee McCarren, chief executive of Forrest, said “Getting people working in the community and using local businesses brings in more money that can be inwardly invested, the upshot of which is increased demand for services and the creation of new jobs. We encourage our staff to support local enterprises where possible and it’s fantastic to see that use of the café has extended across the community.”

“On top of the CESP work we’re now looking at the development of a covered outdoor play area for the community centre’s nursery.”

Debbie Bellis, coordinator of the café, added “Previously I ran the café alone with the help of volunteers, so it’s fantastic to be able to take on a new member of staff. We’ve noticed a big increase in numbers since Forrest started coming in and the community spirit is palpable.”

Caia Park Partnership was established by local residents and councillors more than 15 years ago to support the community and provide training, volunteering and employment opportunities.

Alongside a workforce of more than 45 full and part-time staff, more than 130 volunteers give up their time every month to support the organisation.

Alison Hill, chief officer, Caia Park Partnership, said “The Community Café has been quietly ticking along for many years now but it’s really been given a sense of purpose. It’s heartening to see Forrest’s site workers come together with the local people to take advantage of the fantastic facilities on their doorstep. The café has become a real social hub.”