Bakery and brewery celebrate inclusivity

BUSINESSES working to support disabled people into employment have showcased their vital schemes to the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP.

Step and Stone Bakery, based at The Park Centre on Daventry Road, and the Tapestry Brewery, on the Totterdown Bridge Industrial Estate, who both have their own disability employment schemes, welcomed the Minister to talk about baking, brewing and Bristol.

The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “I had a fantastic day here in Bristol, seeing the positive work of these wonderful local businesses to help disabled people get the skills they need to start rewarding careers.

“Step and Stone Bakery and Tapestry Brewery are improving opportunities for disabled people and helping support them to lead inclusive and fulfilling lives.

“I am passionate about ensuring disabled people have the same opportunities for fulfilling employment. This Government is committed to supporting employers to harness the talents of disabled people, as well as supporting disabled individuals to start, stay and succeed in work.”

The Minister’s first stop in the city was a tour of the Step and Stone Bakery, home of award-winning handmade lavash flatbread and founded by two friends who both have children with Down’s Syndrome.

The bakery works with young people with learning disabilities, helping to develop their skills and confidence.

Jane Chong and Jane Kippax, owners of Step and Stone Bakery said: “We are delighted to have found paid employment for 10 of our trainees so far and voluntary opportunities for another five. However, there is still so much more work to be done with only 4.8% of adults with learning difficulties are in a paid job. We’re very happy the Minister has come here today to shine a light on this situation.”

The Minister also visited Tapestry

Brewery, owned by local charity PROPS, who provide access to practical learning, skills development and accessible work-based experiences for local disabled people. PROPS bought the brewery in 2022 and became the first brewery and tap room in the city to be staffed by adults with learning disabilities, providing trainees the opportunity to brew, design and launch beers.

Colin Fletcher, CEO of PROPS said: “It was a huge privilege to host a visit from the Minister and we are grateful to him for spending the time with us. It was a wonderful opportunity for the PROPS Trainees to meet Mr Pursglove and share their experiences of being a part of the charity and working at the brewery and tap room.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for student flats in Bedminster have been approved despite their distance from Bristol’s university buildings. Developers now have planning permission to build a 49-bed block of student flats at the bottom of West Street, knocking down an old car workshop.

The three-storey building would be located in an area largely home to families, more than a 30-minute walk from any of the closest university campuses. Planning officers at Bristol City Council said several bus stops are nearby, and students could rely on the bus.

Councillors on the development control A committee granted permission for the scheme. Property developers behind the scheme claimed building flats would take pressure off family homes getting converted into student shared houses.

Developer David Fitter said: “These plans to provide student accommodation will rejuvenate West Street with a beautiful