07 May 2019
Transport for Wales has awarded a contract to ELITE Paper Solutions, a social enterprise that helps people with disabilities obtain employment.
Based in Merthyr, ELITE Paper Solutions has been appointed to store and attain archived documents and contracts for Transport for Wales. The social enterprise has been assisting people with disabilities to obtain and maintain paid employment opportunities within their communities since 1994.
Joshua O’Leary, an ELITE Paper Solutions employee said;
“ELITE Paper Solutions provided me with an opportunity to develop my confidence and skills so that I could find future employment. The social enterprise provides a safe learning environment and helps people overcome their difficulties, so that they feel confident in the workplace.
“It’s great that Transport for Wales has awarded this contract as it helps the community and provides benefits for local people.”
Deputy Minister for Transport and Economy, Lee Waters visited ELITE Paper Solutions, and had the opportunity to learn about how the social enterprise works and meet with the staff working there.
He said;
“It has been an inspirational visit to ELITE Paper Solutions, the staff here are working hard to create an environment where people from all backgrounds and facing difficulties can learn skills, build confidence and obtain employment.
“The professionalism and support shown here proves that procurement can be undertaken in a way that delivers real outcomes for the people in this region, supporting the commitments made in our Better Jobs Closer to Home initiative.
“It is also important that we recognise that Transport for Wales is working with social enterprises and providing opportunities for local communities to benefit from their investment programme. It is a transformative time for transport within Wales and people and communities are very much part of the process.”
Transport for Wales is at the start of a very exciting journey which will see over £5 billion invested in Wales’ transport network. The not-for-profit company, wholly owned by Welsh Government, is fully aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and understands the fundamental role that transport plays in improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO added;
“I’d like to congratulate ELITE Paper Solutions on their success and as an organisation, Transport for Wales is excited about working with them. We are investing £5 billion into the transport sector and there will be many opportunities for local businesses and social enterprises to work with us.
“As well as improving the transport network and services, we want to use our investment to positively impact the local economies and communities across Wales and contracts such as these indicate how this can be achieved. This contract award demonstrates our commitment to developing a more equal Wales, enabling people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances as outlined in the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015).”
Andrea Wayman, ELITE Paper Solutions Enterprise CEO said;
“We are extremely pleased to be awarded with this contract and look forward to working with Transport for Wales. As a social enterprise our work involves empowering local communities and providing training for people with disabilities and those at a disadvantage.
“It’s great to be part of this huge project and benefit from the investment.”
