18/12/2006

Disability Friendly Directory Scoops Award

A new disability friendly directory and disability awareness training for taxi drivers scooped a 'Good Business' award at the 2006 Stockport Business Excellence Awards.

The Stockport Council-organised awards recognise the achievements of businesses who have 'gone the extra mile' in providing valuable services to the community. Nearly 50 awards were won by large and small businesses and organisations in the borough.

The award-winning directory and training were developed by the Council's Environment and Economy Directorate, the Passenger Transport department of Solutions SK Ltd - the Council's recently formed wholly owned company - and Disability Stockport to provide an approved list of taxi services for transporting people with disabilities.

Taxi drivers who agreed to be included took part in disability awareness training. The Council praised Solutions SK and Disability Stockport for their enthusiasm and perseverance with the project.

The three award categories at the event are: the Food Safety Award given to food businesses operating at consistently high standards; the Heartbeat Award given to caterers who meet the necessary standards in healthy menu choices, non-smoking provision and food hygiene; and the Fair Play Charter which is awarded to local businesses committed to trading fairly and honestly. The businesses, who are registered with the Council, signed a pledge to comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme and adhere to a strict code of practice.

Pictured: The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Peter Burns, accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Margaret Burns, present the award to, from the left, Kieran McMahon, Director of Disability Stockport, and Jim Palmer and Phil McGahey from Passenger Transport, Solutions SK Ltd.