A SOCIAL enterprise initiative which aims to shine a light on businesses which work with the community was launched in Trowbridge over the weekend by MP Andrew Murrison.

Social Saturday, which is a national campaign led by Social Enterprise UK and the Cabinet Office, saw hundreds of businesses across the country offer free or discounted services to customers including the Julian House Bike Workshop in Duke Street.

The workshop refurbishes over 500 second-hand bikes a year and at same time, it also supports young people and adults with a history of homelessness, addiction, offending and long-term unemployment to improve their work-related skills and confidence and progress towards employment.

In the last year, the bike workshop has supported over 60 local people to access training, qualifications and work experience opportunities.

Helen Bedser, business development director of Julian House, said: “We were proud to take part in Social Saturday to highlight the amazing work we do and also offer the local community some great discounts and a free tune-up, as thanks for all their support, especially those who have generously donated their unwanted bike to us.”

Social enterprises are businesses that trade to meet a social or environmental mission.

Peter Holbrook CBE, CEO of Social Enterprise UK said the initiative tried to show how local businesses reinvest their profits to make a difference in the community.

He added “Social enterprises across Britain are giving local communities a real boost, using the power of business as a force for good. They’re changing people’s lives for the better, helping with regeneration, and protecting the environment from harm."

Shoppers were treated to free cycle tune-ups and discounts on a range of bikes on Saturday.