NEWS FROM THE TREES GROUP
29 MAY 2009
FARMER TURNS UP HEAT AT THORPETE
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A Leicester-based gas servicing company is turning up the heat by appointing a new General Manager. Michael Farmer from Oadby in Leicester, joins Thorpete Gas Services and will be responsible for steering business growth through the current recession and maintaining high standards of service.
He is a former Director of the Audi Design Foundation created to help develop young designers across the UK. Before that, Michael spent four years as Regional Director for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Thorpete is part of the TREES Group, the largest social enterprise group in the east midlands.
Employing 30 people, Thorpete has an annual turnover of £1.5million. On average it responds to more than 80 services and emergency breakdowns every day.
The business was set up in 1995 to provide jobs for mature engineers and young trainees made redundant by British Gas, and since then, the organisation's success has continued to have a significant impact in Leicestershire.
Michael Farmer said: "Managing a company during these tough economic times is always going to be challenging. However, it is rewarding to know that Thorpete continues to work hard to encourage local employment, support local companies, and channel profit back into local housing and regeneration activity. "With many people in the labour industry now facing redundancy, Thorpete is well placed to continue creating jobs. "We are equipped to weather the economic storm with strong partnerships with regional housing associations, as well as North West Leicestershire District Council, generating thousands of annual gas services, repairs and installations for Thorpete."
TREES contributes to social inclusion and economic renewal by:
• Creating jobs for local people who had experienced disadvantage in the labour market
• Sourcing materials from local suppliers wherever possible
• Forming partnerships with training providers to enable jobseekers to gain recognised qualifications
• Creating apprenticeships and long-term training initiatives to address a skills shortage in the sector
• Developing ‘added value’ joint ventures with other social enterprises
• Channelling profit back into housing and regeneration activity
Group Chief Executive of TREES, John Montague, said: "Michael's appointment signifies a commitment to providing a first class level of service to customers. Under his experienced direction, Thorpete will continue to invest, innovate and diversify while making a positive difference to the communities we serve."
