"A social enterprise is a business with primarily social objectives, whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners" – UK Government definition.

Avalon believes that a Social Enterprise should:

  • tackle a specific social or environmental need
  • provide employment to vulnerable adults, especially disabled people

Avalon aims to identify new business opportunities to employ customers across the region.

An Innovations Group meets regularly to bring original ideas to supported employment in the community.

The first is Wagalon, a dog walking and day care business in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

The second is Michelangelo’s Mates & consists of a small team of people, supported by Avalon, who will train as apprentices in painting and decorating, under guidance