Saturday May 19 2012
Gardening Archive
TheVillage Gardening
Where Next expands ‘family’
Posted on May 16 2010 at 11:00:36 0 comments
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
The words “traditional” and family-run” are often used to describe local businesses, but Frank Hedges & Sons really does live up to those valued credentials.
Founded in 1876, the Bromsgrove-based garden machinery firm can offer experience, expertise and excellent customer service – and the latest development has seen the “family” aspect take on a whole new meaning.
Although Frank Hedges & Sons is still run by the original family – now in its fourth generation – the company is now owned by the Where Next Association, which enables people with learning difficulties to learn new skills in a real working environment.
Where Next, which was set up as a registered charity in 1984, already oversees five “social enterprises” including a garden centre and a horticultural nursery – and now its clients can get involved in a different aspect of gardening by undertaking work placements at Frank Hedges.
“It seemed a logical extension for us,” says Graham Clark of Where Next. “We need to create as many opportunities for our clients as we can. With the constraints on financial support for our clients from the statutory bodies, we have to be as self-sufficient as possible. So we can really benefit from working with an established and successful local business.”
Frank Hedges & Sons, which recently relocated from Willow Road to Sanders Road, is a real treasure-trove of garden machinery, from chainsaws, hedge-cutters and strimmers to garden vacuums, shredders and various tools.
All leading makes of lawnmower are sold, serviced and repaired, with new machines supplied fully assembled including oil and petrol – and there’s also a popular sharpening service for chainsaws and shears, plus a collection and delivery service.
All budgets are catered for, and the firm’s many long-standing customers know that they will also find expert advice and a repairs service that’s second to none. Spare parts are available for a wide range of machinery, so clients can find everything they need to work on their equipment at home or ask the staff to carry out running repairs.
“We even have some parts that are 40 or 50 years old,” says manager Lee Hedges, great-grandson of founder Frank. “We were recently asked to repair a rotovator dating from 1940 – and we managed to get it going!”
This commitment to customer service is one of the reasons why Frank Hedges & Sons continues to play an important part in the local community, making it an ideal place for Where Next’s clients to learn a new trade.
While many of the people helped by Where Next will always require support, the Association hopes that some will eventually be able to move into “open” employment, having gained the necessary skills, qualifications and all-important confidence through work experience.
Frank Hedges & Sons
11 Sanders Road, Bromsgrove B61 7DG
Tel: 01527 831047
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
www.wherenextassociation.co.uk
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