Member Article

Strong growth for Sheffield charity

Sheffield not for profit organisation, The Adsetts Partnership, has moved its headquarters to the former Whitbread Exchange Brewery in Sheffield city centre as a result of sustained growth over the last six years. The move brings together under one roof the core services of The Adsetts Partnership with sister organisations Autism Plus and Jobsteps Employment Services Ltd.

Autism Plus was founded 25 years ago by a group of parents and supports individuals with autism and other complex conditions, helping them to take more control over their lives. Under the leadership of Philip Bartey who became chief executive in 2005, the organisation has grown four-fold in terms of the funding it attracts and the number of people it is able to help. Its services started in Thorne near Doncaster and have expanded throughout the North of England.

The Adsetts Partnership brings together small and medium sized voluntary sector organisations through partnerships and collaborations on a wide range of initiatives, from major government contracts through to local projects which will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ range of services. In addition, Jobsteps Employment Services helps disadvantaged individuals and those with complex barriers to find and sustain meaningful paid employment.

Sixty staff of the organisations’ 500 staff will be based at the 24,000 sq ft new offices which will also house a day service facility and a national refugee centre.

“Over the last seven years we have worked hard to change our business model, strengthening engagement with parents and expanding our services both geographically and through diversification,” explains Philip Bartey, chief executive of The Adsetts Partnership. “Our collaborative response to the commissioning process has been particularly effective, enabling smaller voluntary sector providers to work together to offer cohesive, holistic services.”

Mr Bartey continues, “Grant Thornton has played a key role in our journey, guiding us through a massive period of change from helping us to set up an appropriate group structure to introducing new accounting systems and advising on VAT. At a time when voluntary organisations need to make every penny count, Grant Thornton’s tax advisers helped us to save a six figure sum when we acquired our new headquarters which will help to fund the next stage of our development as we add further new services next year. “

Peter Edwards, director at Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, comments: “Having worked closely with Autism Plus over a number of years, we’ve seen it grow and diversify, increasing its services and the number of people it is able to help, despite the financial pressures on the voluntary sector. It is a great example of how a not for profit company with a clear vision and a business-like approach can enjoy sustained growth and continue to provide much-needed services.”

Picture shows: Peter Edwards (left) and Carol Varns of Grant Thornton, with Martin Havenhand, vice chair of The Adsetts Partnership

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Grant Thornton .