“Devon Disability Collective is a Social Enterprise that provides quality employment and training for people with disabilities and those furthest from the labour market through our own commercial enterprises”
Devon Disability Collective (DDC) is a non-profit-distributing social enterprise that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities through its own commercial enterprises.
We are committed towards enhancing independence for people with disabilities by creating real career opportunities, actively supporting personal and professional development, and promoting wider lifestyle choices – all with the aim of reducing the unfair disadvantages that people with disabilities face in the workplace.
As a company limited by guarantee, our social purpose is entrenched within the foundations of the business, and our profits are reinvested into the company to help further deliver our social objectives. Our employees also have the opportunity to become members of the business, giving them equal voting rights and a say in the direction it takes.
Our activities enable businesses who partner and collaborate with us to recognise the benefits of disability inclusion within their supply chain and demonstrate genuine commitment to their corporate social responsibility goals. This has been a focus for us and a developing benefit for several of our public and private sector customers.
Our Premises
We operate from a multipurpose 22,000 sq. ft factory based in Exeter, comprising of production, retail, office and training facilities. The space is adaptable as required, allowing us to provide a range of specialist textile and upholstered products, as well as services for the healthcare, military, aviation, automotive, domestic and commercial sectors.
Our UK base provides a competitive offering in a sector that is increasingly recognising the benefits of buying local. These benefits include short lead times, lower ordering volumes and efficient quality control through locality.
We also manage a fully stocked mobility showroom on site, with a wide range of carefully selected products and daily living aids, designed to make life easier for our customers.
Our Operations Include:
- Contract sewing
- Industrial covers
- Assembly and packing
- Commercial upholstery services
- Mobility showroom
- Wheelchair upholstery products
- Light engineering
“7% of those with a learning disability of working age are in employment”
“47% of disabled people are in work, compared to 80% of the average population”
Our People
Our Formation
Devon Disability Collective was formed in July 2015 following the closure of Pluss. The long-serving members of staff (most of whom have a disability) now own and manage the business, which has been operating for over 55 years, in Marsh Barton Industrial Estate, Exeter.
Our strong links with Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and the Community Union helped establish the business in July 2015. The Board of Directors maintains these local government links and support from the Union to this day.
Find Us:
22 Marsh Green Road
Marsh Barton
Exeter
EX2 8PQ
Telephone: 01392 428585
Email: enquiries@devondisabilitycollective.org
