Business 2 Business was set up 33 years ago to tackle unemployment and social exclusion. They currently employ 35 people and have extensive experience in delivering employment and health-based programmes which have included Work and Health and Work Programme.
Based on their experience within the employability market Fedcap Employment invited Business 2 Business to join their supply chain to help deliver the ESF DWP co-funded Links to Work programme across Leicester and Leicestershire. It was a natural fit as they had a great reputation in the area, local knowledge and were well-established in the BAME community.
Business 2 Business are a well-respected and a high performing provider. They are trusted partners and are involved in a range of Local Enterprise Partnership initiatives (LEP) and wider advisory groups providing local knowledge and insight into the challenges faced by people in disadvantaged groups in Leicestershire. Business 2 Business have a unique insight:
into the key priority groups identified locally by the LEP
complimentary service provision available
understanding of the local labour market
This deep insight and understanding enables them to work with their customers in a more targeted way, providing the right support at the right time, in the right place.
For example, Business 2 Business identified there was a need for specialist support particularly around ESOL in the BAME community. They developed their business model and created a highly skilled team to support this demand. Alongside a diverse and multi-lingual workforce, they embedded themselves in the community to make engagement as accessible as possible. Reaching out to and gaining the trust and participation of groups of people, who through traditional routes to engagement have been harder to reach.
Business 2 Business are recognised as market leaders in working with communities across Leicester and in the last year, they have supported over 450 Links to Work customers, exceeding their contractual targets and supporting over 70% of these customers into employment. For those customers who were not quite ready for work, they have participated in the Links to Work programme and gained new skills for the future giving them the confidence to move forward in their own personal journeys.
Our customers in Leicester have a wide range of barriers such as social exclusion, long-term unemployment, health concerns and ESOL to name but a few. With the commitment and dedication from Business 2 Business’ front-line community advisers they have been able to work with their customer group and give them the confidence to overcome these barriers, resulting in a significant progress with many individuals moving into employment.
Business 2 Business have an excellent reputation with both customers and employers across the area which led to an increase in new job opportunities and they continue to support customers through their transition not only into work but also to sustain in employment – benefitting the customer, their families and the wider community. Furthermore their performance has significantly contributed to the successful delivery of Links to Work which resulted in a 2 year extension to the contract being awarded.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Business 2 Business have continued to provide the same high quality of service to customers. Many of these customers live alone and Business 2 Business have adapted their delivery to maintain service and keep the line of communication open through alternative digital channels as well as coaching customers through online applications and interview processes.
For Business 2 Business the customer is at the heart of everything they do and they are committed to achieving the very best result possible for each individual - giving everyone the same opportunity to access a job that is right for them no matter what their circumstances. It is for all of the above reasons why they have become one of our most valued partners and fully warrant our nomination in this category.
