Business

Business Social enterprise is giving ladies much-needed quality clothing

By Andrew Diprose The idea is simple but brilliant. Work closely with women’s charities and local community organisations to provide garments to women in need of clothing support. But not any old item stuffed into a black plastic sack. Instead clothing is laundered, folded and beautifully presented in drawstring bags, lovingly handmade on the premises in Cranborne using upcycled fabric. Each gift bag personally tailored to the recipient’s size, style preference and clothing need. And containing 15-18 items together with a lavender heart and an inspirational message. The Wardrobe Foundation was launched as a not for profit social enterprise by Eloise Grant, 24, and her mum, Lisa, last year. Stuart Grant, Eloise’s dad, looks after the finances and admin. Originally operating out of the attic of the family home in Cranborne it soon became apparent that they were fulfilling a clear need. Now, 12 months later, the Wardrobe Foundation has ten committed volunteers, provided 180 gift bags containing 4,500 items of clothing and is using a dedicated work unit in Cranborne. It has worked with 25 charities and organisations, to date. The whole ethos is on sustainability and recycling. Eloise, who graduated with a distinction after completing a Master’s degree in strategic sustainable business at the University of Stirling, said the response to the Wardrobe Foundation had far exceeded expectations. She said: “I really didn’t expect things to take off in the way they have but it’s been absolutely brilliant. Our idea to provide clothing support in a way that is both dignified and sustainable has blossomed into a wonderful organisation that we are very, very proud of. But we could not have achieved what we have in such a short amount of time without the brilliant support, encouragement, donations and response that have come from the community that we are so lucky to live and work in. “At Wardrobe Foundation we make it our mission to use every item of clothing that arrives through our doors. “Clothing that is unsuitable for gifting or resale we love turning into something special. “Our clothing gift bags and lavender hearts are two items that we make regularly.” The latest initiative is an outreach project called the Golden Rail. A clothes rail of laundered garments suitable for older women living in care homes. The first recipient of a Golden

“Our idea to provide clothing support in a way that’s dignified & sustainable has blossomed..” Eloise Grant, right, and her mum Lisa of the Wardrobe Foundation. Rail was Ferndown Manor Care Home. Volunteer Amanda Reuben made the initial connection with the Wardrobe Foundation team selecting clothing, scarves and shoes for the rail. They were then ironed, steamed and thoroughly checked over to make sure each item was delivered in perfect condition. A total of six ‘Golden Rails’ have now been delivered to care homes across the area. Eloise said: “The average age of the women receiving our clothes is between 25 and 45. It means we are left with beautiful clothes that are more suited to women in their 70s and above. “We thought there must be a need for such garments in care homes where the residents may be reliant on family and friends to afford them. “No matter how old, we know that women love shopping and looking for clothes. But this time, they are free. The response has been incredible.” The Wardrobe Foundation is now working with up to 13 care homes. It has also provided a ‘Summer Dress Rail’ allowing women supported by the organisation involved to choose their own dresses and highsummer items. Eloise said the social enterprise was now concentrating on building awareness and reaching more charities and organisations. She added: “I am proud of what we’ve done and how far we’ve come. It’s been fascinating and I’ve learned so much, especially with the website and social media. From the donations of clothing we’ve received to the response from the charities and organisations and the women who’ve received clothes, it’s been quite overwhelming. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to our exceptional team of volunteers. “Also, all the charities that have gone above and beyond in supporting the women they work with as well as everyone who has donated clothing. “It’s been absolutely amazing.” Wardrobe Foundation accepts women’s clothing in every size. However, in line with current Covid-19 guidelines, it has paused donation collections for now. All donations are left for 72 hours before processing. wardrobefoundation.co.uk

Andrew Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk, the No.1 business website in the county with more than 27,000 unique users. Andrew will be supplying the NBV with business news each fortnight, as well as our sister publication the New Stour & Avon.

Business Awards double for campsite

It’s been a big week for Alan and Pamela Walton, pictured in their awards gladrags, at Long Hazel Park in Sparkford. The couple collected their Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Award Gold trophy for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park in the region for 2021. “We’ll be proudly displaying our new trophy alongside our Silver award in the same category for 2020,” said Pamela. They continued their awardwinning last Monday as Theo Paphitis’ Small Business of the Week, securing the accolade on their first ever attempt. “We are overjoyed that the Dragons’ Den star has seen such promise in our familyrun business, as he hand-picks the winners himself,” said Alan. “We hope to attend the winners ceremony later this year.” He added: “It’s been a great start to the season and we’re really enjoying welcoming our guests back this summer.” n longhazelpark.co.uk 01963 440002

Recruitment Hallelujah! Ultrafast on way

Openreach has outlined plans to bring ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband to a further 45,000 homes and businesses in Dorset – including Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. In total at least 3m more homes and businesses – including 440,000 across the South West –will benefit in some of the UK’s hardest to serve communities. It means fewer homes and businesses will require taxpayer subsidies to upgrade. A total of 14 exchanges across Dorset are being upgraded, with the majority of homes and businesses in places such as Bere Regis, Blandford, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Swanage and Wareham set to gain from what’s described as a massive nationwide, five-year feat of civil engineering. The company’s updated build plan is fundamental to the government achieving its target of delivering ‘gigabit-capable broadband’ to 85 per cent of the UK by 2025. It follows an extended investment commitment by its parent, BT Group, which means Openreach will now build Full Fibre technology to a total of 25m premises, including more than 6m in the hardest-to-serve parts of the country. Openreach’s £15bn commercial investment in upgrading the UK to faster, more reliable, futureproof broadband has been upped from £12bn. The plans also include an extension to the company’s biggest ever recruitment drive, with a further 1,000 new roles being created this year on top of the jobs which were announced in December 2020 – of which around 200 were in the South West. This means that by the end of 2021, Openreach will have created and filled more than 9,000 apprenticeship roles since 2017/18.

Base: Sherborne Post: Cook Hours: 14 hours per week Salary: £6,721-£7,219

We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking Band 2 Cook to join our friendly dedicated catering team in Sherborne Community Hospital. As Cook you will prepare meals for ward patients and provide a food service for staff and the general public

Cooks within the hospital have a key role in maintaining a high standard of meal provision to patients, and make a valuable contribution in the wider care team that supports patients during their time in hospital.

Candidates should have good organizational and communication skills, be flexible in their approach to work whilst demonstrating an ability to work using their own initiative and as part of a team.

This post may require working weekends, evenings until 18.00. Weekends are paid at enhanced rates.

Employment in this post requires a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For further information and to apply, please visit https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/ and search for the vacancy reference 152S007.21B

The Yeatman Hospital is currently looking for bank workers to join the dedicated hotel service teams to work on an as and when basis. This includes domestics, catering assistants and porters. Various hours available including weekends.