Member Article

Local award winning training provider sees record growth…

Community First North East (CFNE), a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in the north east is celebrating its eighth year in business with phenomenal progression. The training provider, based in South Shields operates as a not for profit company and was started in 2010 to help individuals and organisations achieve their full potential. This month, as it reaches its eighth anniversary of trading, CFNE are celebrating a 54% increase in turnover in the last two years from 40% in 2016 and a further 14% in 2017. The business has also seen an increase from three to 10 members of staff and with a further 16% projected rise in turnover for 2018, there will be a need for additional staff members before the year is out. Covering courses in maths, English, ICT, business admin, counselling, personal development amongst others, CFNE hope to expand on their offering in the next 12 months. Speaking of the success, co-director David Brown tells us “We had 250 learners through our doors last year who are now all in a better position to secure employment or develop within their current role. “It’s an amazing feeling when people achieve their academic goals and secure themselves employment or a promotion following their success in gaining additional qualifications. “We operate to help local people and businesses across the north east, thus getting more people in to employment and reducing unemployment in the area which can only be a positive thing for our struggling economy.” CFNE not only help businesses train their staff, but they work with some of the most vulnerable families, adults and communities to meet their diverse needs, enabling them to reach their potential; thus creating social capital. Judy Hunter, co-director with Brown said “We will support parents to better support their children’s development, individuals to have higher expectations and aspirations and communities to realise their full value and contribute towards their development.” As a CIC all profits are put straight back in to the community so grants and funding are something CFNE are always looking for in order to better develop their staff and learners. For more information and to see if you can help, or be helped, by the centre you can contact 0191 493 6990.

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