Dr Carl Chinn Drops In
On 2nd November 2007, ART was delighted to welcome Dr Carl Chinn to its offices, to meet the staff team and interview two of its borrowers for Ed Doolan’s show on BBC Radio WM.
Carl had first interviewed ART’s Chief Executive, Steve Walker, nine years ago and was keen to return to report on progress as ART celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year. Having spoken to Steve and to Sally Edwards, who has been working with ART helping to publicise its service for the past five years, he turned to two of ART’s latest borrowers – George Rowley from
Gallant 2000 and Martin O’Donnell from Green Innovations .
George explained how a loan from ART had enabled Gallant 2000 to develop materials and national qualifications for delivery to people who may not have had equal opportunities and therefore found themselves on the fringes of society. He said that acquiring these qualifications gave them pride, status and self belief as well as enabling them to show other organisations and businesses that they were worth employing.
Martin explained that he had developed a device to make it easier to bleed radiators (an easy bleed radiator bleed valve). He said that a loan from ART had helped him to acquire stock and get it into DIY stores and plumbing centres. As the valve is manufactured and assembled at a factory in Digbeth, his company - Green Innovations - has been able to invest in the local economy and provide local jobs for local people.
