A New Start for HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland as Jobs and Traineeships Secured

30th January 2015

Social enterprise New Start Highland has safeguarded the future of HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland as it announces it is due to start running its daily operations at the end of this month.

The move protects ten current jobs as well as existing and future traineeships and plans are in place to create more local jobs in the Caithness area.

Headquartered in Inverness, New Start Highland is an award-winning social enterprise which provides a range of community services throughout the Highlands. The organisation helps over 1,000 people a year and offers housing support services, furniture re-use programmes as well as comprehensive employment training services.

Roger Saxon, chair of HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland's board, welcomes the change. He said: "For some time, HomeAid directors have been aware of a deteriorating economic outlook and faced the very real possibility of having to close the doors. This would mean the end of support for our clients and the loss of valuable local jobs. We were determined this should not happen and looked for a solution.

"We are delighted to announce that we found a very willing partner in New Start Highland, who agreed to continue the good work of HomeAid and retain all jobs.

“With New Start Highland running the business, keeping our Wick, Thurso and warehouse outlets, we look forward to a bright future where we will be investing in the service and continuing to provide much needed help to households across Caithness and Sutherland."

James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, commented: “By taking on the HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland business, we are securing the vital service delivered by this much loved local social enterprise.

“In current uncertain times of cuts and austerity we are dedicated to protecting and creating local jobs and traineeships.

“I commend the HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland board for its proactive and forward thinking ethos and very much look forward to working closely with the local Caithness and Sutherland community over the coming months."

All furniture donated in Caithness and Sutherland will continue to be recycled and provided to the north Highland community.

To find out more about HomeAid Caithness & Sutherland please visit www.homeaid.org.uk

To find out more about New Start Highland, please visit www.newstarthighland.org