A Bedford charity has said they are “delighted” after they were recognised at a local business awards.
IMPAKT Housing and Support were up for three categories at this year’s SME Luton and Bedfordshire Awards, the final of which was held last week (29 June).
Up for, Apprentice of the Year Tom Hall, Community Business of the Year for our community larder, and Business of the Year with more than 50 Employees, a further surprise saw them also walk away with an unexpected award.
“We were delighted Tom Hall was awarded the Bronze in the Apprentice of the Year category, as this was well-deserved recognition,” said CEO Paul Hunt.
“We then applauded and congratulated organisations receiving their awards and then it came to the Business of the Year with more than 50 Employees, the organisations were announced and IMPAKT Housing & Support were awarded the Gold Winner.
“What a tremendous achievement for the organisation and recognition of the fantastic staff team we have who work with some challenging people.”
With the nominated categories over, the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce announced IMPAKT Housing & Support as the Overall Winner.
“Personally, I couldn’t quite believe it… When I think back to how IMPAKT housing & support has transformed over the past 22 years, we have grown organically from four staff, one accommodation project with 27-bed spaces to 23 accommodation projects, providing over 200+ bed spaces and a staff team of 80.
The Charity also provides domestic abuse outreach across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, Huntingdon, and The Fens. In October they will begin providing services in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire.
“But that’s not all we also provide our free-to-use Community Food Larder which had 3,509 people use the service last year,” added Paul.
“Alongside that we have IMPAKT Preloved providing new white goods and furniture alongside good quality used furniture. And finally, we have IMPAKT Interiors which is our social enterprise that upcycles pieces of furniture and many other items.
“Our mission is to support people to recover from the trauma and devasting impact of homelessness and domestic abuse within a safe and secure environment.
“I am so thankful and privileged to lead such an amazing organisation, who on a daily basis transform, and change lives.”
