First founded back in 1956, Bolton based Birtenshaw is an award winning organisation that has been serving its local community with distinction for almost 70 years. They provide a range of unique services for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Birtenshaw operates as a social enterprise, with all profits reinvested to try and further enhance the facilities and the services available for the children and young adults in their care. Despite its long history and proven track record they found themselves going through a challenging period during the early part of the new century and it was only through the incredible work and planning of Chief Executive, David Reid and his team that they were able to stop it becoming a terminal decline.

By the time the current Chief Executive David Reid took over the reins in 2006 they were effectively bankrupt. The turnaround in their fortunes have been dramatic and it is something that David deserves a great deal of credit for. He was faced with some difficult decisions that were crucial to the long term survival of Birtenshaw. When he first took over they probably had no more than 6 months left before ceasing to exist so things had to change. He led a complete restructure of the organisation changing contracts and reorganising the way that they sold their services. The results have been spectacular. They are now a major employer in the area and between 2012 and until now they have experienced growth of over 400%.

In recognition of this staggering turnaround and the tangible difference they’ve made to the lives of the children they work with, we are delighted to announce that Birtenshaw are the winners of one of our 2024 Platinum Business Awards. Our Platinum Business Award is the highest possible recommendation that we provide as an organisation with Birtenshaw joining a very exclusive group of winners. With our awards we think it’s important to recognise organisations that are bringing something new and innovative to their marketplace. They don’t necessarily have to be the biggest but they have to be an organisation that is trying to offer something different to what is already out there and above all they must offer a great product or service. We feel that Birtenshaw ticks all the boxes and are worthy winners of our award.

Reflecting with pride on their achievements and the success that they’ve enjoyed David says, “I am absolutely delighted about a number of things that our organisation has achieved, and the difference we’ve made in the lives of so many people.

I am delighted to be the person in the privileged position that is able to employ so many incredible people, who can in turn help so many people.”

The accolades they’ve received speaks volumes about the dedication of the team at Birtenshaw to make a real difference in people’s lives and it’s something that everyone at Birtenshaw should be very proud of. As well as the awards they’ve won, their standing within their community and the impressive reputation they’ve established tells you all you need to know about the honest and ethical organisation Birtenshaw are and the way they operate.

In terms of the future David has ambitious plans for Birtenshaw. Currently through Birtenshaw Special Schools in Bolton and Merseyside and through Birtenshaw College they operate in the North West but David has plans to provide their services in other areas and eventually throughout the UK. Their experience of working with children and young people with significant physical impairment, complex health needs, learning disability and Autistic Spectrum Conditions mean they are well equipped to be the organisation to offer their expertise beyond the North West region into areas of the UK where the same level of support is not available.

As an organisation their mission has always been to improve the quality of life of the people they support so they can lead fulfilling lives as independently as possible. The fact that they have managed to achieve this and improve the lives of so many people is the greatest endorsement of all.