Case study - Newco Products
Finding a job if you have a disability can be hard enough, but
finding the right training, environment and support once you are
there can be even harder.
Around half of the 80-strong workforce at Newco Products, based
in the Stratford area of Newham, have a disability. For many staff
members, Newco will be their first step on the ladder to a working
life.
“Many of our staff amaze even themselves when they find
out what they can achieve - the change in them is
remarkable,”
General manager Ted
Fisher.
About Newco Products
Newco manufactures products such as wooden doors and windows,
kitchen units and PVC-U double glazing. Although the company has
strong social values at its core, Newco Products receives no
council funding and has to compete in a tough market place.
Mr Fisher explains that buyers want a quality product delivered on
time – visitors to the company’s promotional website
would be unaware of the extra role that Newco has in Newham’s
community.
 
Still part of Newham council, Newco is hoping to be
fully-independent in the not too distant future. The council is
Newco’s main client, but the organisation is increasingly
dealing with the private sector and housing associations in the
area. The organisation is already a member of The Guild of
Master Craftsmen
Staff are recruited locally in Newham through the Job Centre
Plus scheme. They are paid a competitive wage and receive on-site
and external training to increase their skills.
“We target and recruit local people as much as we can,
which is great for Newham,” says Mr Fisher. “That means
when people move on to another job, they get a place locally. The
local authority here is very supportive and we feel we are very
much a part of the services offered to the community.
“Many of us take a lot of things for granted – such
as having a job and a wage and being able to support ourselves. For
some people with a disability that can be difficult, but Newco
gives them the pride of work, enabling them to pay their way and
not have to claim benefits.”
Newco has a history of serving the people of Newham. The
organisation started its life in 1922 as Newham Municipal
Industries, providing jobs for World War One veterans many of which
had lost their sight after mustard gas attacks.
Now Newco employs 80 people of all abilities, offering help
along the way for the 44 staff members who need extra support
because of a disability.
Newco can be contacted by telephone on 020 8534 1497 or by email
( newco@newham.gov.uk
).
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