A Swansea-based biometric technology start up is the first social enterprise to join the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), a £20m service aimed at creating more than 10,000 jobs for Wales.
The Welsh Government’s Business Wales Accelerated Growth programme will provide a unique support package to help the team engage with Welsh Housing Associations, social landlords and Welsh Councils The Alpha Trust (Global) Ltd is a not for profit organisation that is currently creating employment for a team of people with learning disabilities called The Assemblers. The team is building, testing and dispatching biometrics products. They will be encouraging take-up of biometric technology which could improve security for tenants and save thousands of pounds every year.
The programme is being delivered through a consortium led by Winning Pitch and Impact Innovation who both have a proven track record as high growth specialists. The support will provide The Assemblers with access to professional advisory services to support the company’s growth and export potential. This advice is being provided by accredited consultant Asiant Capital, who has experience in helping third sector companies grow and scale up their operations.
Lee Cecil, CEO at Asiant Capital, commented: “The Assemblers are building a patented technology that can help housing associations in Wales save thousands every year, so our first priority is to help speed up the adoption of this technology. But we’re also keen to help the Alpha Trust exploit its export potential, which will go on to create more jobs in South Wales for people with learning disabilities. As a result of our input so far, The Assemblers’ first Welsh contract is already under negotiation.
“I believe we need more companies like this in Wales joining the scheme, as social enterprises in Wales have huge growth potential. Not-for-profit businesses can not only grow and make money, but they do it for the benefit of local communities and society rather than shareholders. It’s a win-win for the Welsh economy and the Welsh people.”
The Alpha Trust’s Founder Devi Sohanta explained: “I believe that this technology can change lives. Biometrics is simple to use and highly secure, making it ideal for use in care homes and in housing association properties. We trialled the technology with tenants of the Family Housing Association, Coastal Housing Group and Gwalia. We installed the Connective Touch Flexi unit and the tenants, who all had learning disabilities, found it very easy to use and felt safer with it on their door. I am so proud that this technology can help some of the more vulnerable members of society, and that we can employ this same group of individuals to make more units to help more people. This growth programme will help us achieve this ambition.
