Keith Bates talks about In Business

Keith Bates leads the Foundation’s work on employment. He is currently managing the In Business project which helps people with learning disabilities to start their own businesses.

Keith tells us more about his time at the Foundation and talks about the In Business project.

Question: How long have you been working for the Foundation?

Keith says: I have been with the Foundation for nearly 2 years now. Prior to that, I was running my own development consultancy which I continue to do when I am not working for the Foundation.

Question: What is In Business?

Keith says: It is a 3 year project which aims to develop self-employment and small business ownership as an additional route into employment for people with learning disabilities.

Resources

For more information about In Business contact Keith Bates at kbates@fpld.org.uk

Question: What has been the highlight of the last 2 years?

Keith says: The success stories of those people setting up a small business; people like David in Cornwall. As a keen gardener, David wanted his own business growing plants which he now sells through local outlets and farmers markets. We helped him and his support worker find local business advice, a small start-up grant and help with the horticulture and employment side of things.

Question: What has that meant to David?

Keith says: Apart from the income, the big thing is the change in his status, from someone defined as a user of services, to someone who provides a service, making a real contribution to his community.

Question: But aren’t people frightened by the idea of becoming self-employed?

Keith says: Well, the perceived barriers are the same for any kind of employment: transport, getting the right help and benefits. This is often really about challenging the preconceptions of people’s supporters rather than the individuals themselves. The message of the project is that it is achievable and we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible.

Question: What difference has being employed by the Foundation made to you?

Keith says: Being part of the Foundation offers the backing of a fantastic team of experienced practitioners and the wide range of support resources here. Working for the Foundation also raises the profile of these sorts of programmes.

Question: And how do you spend your time outside of work?

Keith says: Having a young family keeps me pretty occupied although I do manage to play and lose the occasional football match!