Abbot’s Hall Enterprises is the Museum’s retail venture. Run as a Social Enterprise, it has as its goal a ‘triple bottom line’ of financial, social and environmental return.

It is primarily aimed at addressing inequalities in the labour market and supporting people into meaningful work based activity. Disability, long term health problems, poor education and family circumstances can all be barriers to entering the job market. The Museum aims to offer individuals opportunities to contribute to their communities, while receiving work based training to improve their employability.

The Enterprise operates on two levels. Firstly, as a training provider offering a variety of accredited training from NVQ’s to basic skills certificates. These courses are accessible to individuals of ranging abilities and experience and additional support can be provided for those with specific learning needs. Individuals can gain qualifications in horticulture, land management and museum based operations.

The second strand of the enterprise is the retail of products produced as a result of the training courses offered. Hanging baskets, plants and vegetables are sold at the museum, the plants having been grown on and planted up by the trainees on the programme. These products are available to the public and we have also won contracts to provide local businesses with floral displays. For 2010 we were proud to be awarded the contract for Stowmarket Town Council’s floral display. To help deliver this contract we are pleased to have partnered with a local business, Muntons plc, who have allowed us use of their extensive glass house facility. This gives us the capacity to expand the activity and we would welcome enquiries from businesses and like minded organisations about providing their hanging baskets and floral displays in the future.

All profits generated through the sale of training places and products are reinvested in the museum to support us in achieving our purpose.

If you require any further information about the work of Abbot’s Hall Enterprises or would like to become involved please contact John Lanagan on 01449 612229 or via the contact form.