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Bristol’s Ashley Community Housing wins prestigious national business award
A social enterprise that works to resettle refugees within Bristol’s communities has received a prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Award.
Ashley Community Housing won the title for the positive social impact it has on the city and beyond.
“One piece of advice I would give people starting a business today is follow your ambitions and follow your dreams and set achievable goals,” said Jeff Greenidge, Director of Himilo training for Ashley Community Housing, on receiving the award.
He continued: “It’s great to have won a Lloyds Bank National Business Award for the work that we do in Bristol.
“It’s a great accolade because we have worked hard to achieve this award – the refugees and community organisers have really contributed to this award tonight too.”
Jeff receiving the award at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards 2017 ©Steve Pope – Fotowales
The Bristol-based enterprise specialises in the economic, social and civic integration of refugees through accommodation and community-based training.
Matt Rogers (ACH communications officer), Edward Burtonshaw-Gunn, Fuad Mohamed (CEO of ACH), Paul Smith, Andy Burkitt (chair of ACH), Said Mohamed and Khalid Jama (ACH volunteer) at the launch of a scheme to bring empty homes back into use for refugees
One of its recent ‘life transforming’ projects has seen empty, dilapidated properties brought back into use to house people most in need – it has also given refugees the chance to gain valuable skills by participating in the restoration process.
Fiona Cannon, group director of responsible business and inclusion at Lloyds Banking Group said, “I would like to congratulate Ashley Community Housing.
“Their work to support refugees to integrate into their communities very much supports our responsible business strategy of tackling social disadvantage and our purpose of helping Britain prosper.”
Judges also praised founder and CEO of Ashley Community Housing Fuad Mohammed, and his team, for using their insight and example through advocacy to influence politicians, businesses and communities to support a change in perception and conditions, so that all can benefit.
More than 1200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and media representatives gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London for the 16th annual National Business Awards to celebrate the best of British ambition.
Mo Farah was welcomed as the headline speaker and secretary of state for international trade, Dr Liam Fox, was also present.
Read more: Thank you for reuniting me with my family
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