A local social enterprise has won the backing of one of Swindon’s major annual events.

Enterprise Works on Gipsy Lane has been selected to produce all the signs for this year’s Swindon Half Marathon.

The supported employer provides assistance for disabled and disadvantaged adults to enable them to get back into employment and live independently.

Adam Commons, transport and stores manager for Enterprise Works said: “It’s great that Swindon Half Marathon have recognised the value of choosing us and helping disadvantaged and disabled local people.

“They have recognised that we can provide the same as our competitors in terms of quality and cost, but also that by placing orders they are actually contributing to improving the lives of the people who work here.

“It’s great that they’re not just looking at the bottom line, to get the cheapest option, but are actually looking beyond that.”

Run by Swindon Borough Council, Enterprise Works operates a number of business areas including producing signs and marketing materials. Alongside this they run a timber workshop and retail sales yard, a community meals service, and an assembly and packaging facility.

“It’s really nice to be able to support a company that gives so much back to the community,” said Graeme Hardie, an events director with 113 Events who is organising the Swindon Half Marathon.

“As a Swindon based charity, they are exactly what we set out to support through this event.

“Enterprise Works gives a lot of support to help get people into work, and it’s nice for us to have a partnership with a company that can offer so much back to the people of Swindon,” he said.

Operating since 1963, Enterprise Works initially started as a timber workshop.

It has grown over the years to support roughly 50 members of staff and generates an estimated 40,000 hours of social impact every year in Swindon.

In total the organisation will produce 25 signs for the event.

“It will be amazing to see the signs up around the route. It’ll be a really proud moment for us,” said Mr Commons, who is a keen runner himself and will be taking part in the race.

“When you buy from Enterprise works you are actually changing someone’s life, whereas if you buy from one of the big commercial companies you are just contributing to their CEO’s next holiday home,” he added.

This year’s Half Marathon will take place on September 22, following the same route as last year past many of the town’s landmarks including the Magic Roundabout, the Oasis, through Old Town, finishing in the Town Centre in Wharf Green.