Rise of EMPRISE

EMPRISE Blackpool, an award-winning trade waste recycling service that creates training opportunities and employment for local people, has taken on seven new members of staff. As well as carrying out operational roles, the new recruits will be taking part in a training programme for a nationally recognized qualification. Some will also be working towards a level 2 NVQ in Community Recycling.

An EU funded programme, EMPRISE Blackpool has already helped 17 local people gain employment, and currently supports 12 full time posts. Additional staff are needed to deal with the increasing volumes of waste recycled by the scheme, currently approximately 276 tonnes a week, collected from around 250 Blackpool businesses.

"The service began last year by collecting just metal and glass," explains project co-ordinator Hilary Dennison. "However, we now take many other materials on a routine basis ... so the new appointments have been essential. She added: "Creating jobs is the main reason why EMPRISE Blackpool exists."

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