Support services provider Lakehouse Contracts and Keith Bates, a development consultant and also head of employment at the Foundation for People with Learning Difficulties, have both been recognised at the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Essex-based Lakehouse Contracts was recognised in the Sustainable Development category for its commitment to benefiting disadvantaged people, in particular through its ‘Building Lives’ initiative, which provides training, upskilling and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

‘Building Lives’ has been running for nine months and has helped 30 people into employment so far. “We plan to open another two ‘Building Lives’ centres with another two in the planning stage. We will endeavour to deliver 50 jobs out of each centre,” says Claire Williams, community development manager.

As the South-West region’s only winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, Keith Bates has been recognised for over 20 years of contribution to improving employment opportunities for those with learning disabilities both independently and through the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD).

“Seven per cent of people with learning disabilities are in work, but 60% say they want to work. We are trying to bridge that gap. Last year we helped 61 individuals through our In Business programme and around 30 others through working with local authorities,” says Bates.

Applications are now being taken for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2012.