It was my pleasure to welcome Iain Duncan Smith, the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, to a community interest business called Goodwill Solutions in Moulton Park.
I have been a supporter of Goodwill Solutions from its inception.
I was first approached for support before I was elected as the MP for Northampton North; I subsequently opened their business in 2011 and then opened their new expanded premises in Moulton Park in April last year.
They have a unique business model. No-one takes a profit from dividends in the shares of the business, they use the profits they make to reinvest back into the community. For example, they have a hugely successful “back to work programme” for many disadvantaged people, particularly ex-offenders, and those with mental health issues and disabilities. In the past year 68% of people who undertook their back to work programme are now in fully paid employment and are self-sufficient. These figures far exceed usual rates of success from state-run programmes in this field.
Goodwill Solutions now employs over 40 people and continues to grow. This is a great example of a local business doing well, putting in the hours and reaping the rewards. Small and medium sized local businesses really are the backbone of our national economy.
The Secretary of State was extremely impressed with his visit and said that he plans to write to the Prime Minister about it.