Links and resources for social enterprises dealing with the Covid-19 crisis

We're very grateful to the School for Social Entrepreneurs for the following links:

• Government advice on coronavirus – general

• Government advice on coronavirus – for employers, employees and businesses

•  NHS advice on coronavirus

•  NHS 111 symptom checker

• NCVO guide: Your organisation and coronavirus – a comprehensive guide being updated regularly and aimed at the social sector.

• Social Enterprise UK are regularly updating their website with the latest news and resources 

• Co-operatives UK have put together a guide on HR issues

• This Federation for Small Business (FSB) guide is relevant to community businesses

March news: Car 12, online only...

Our newsletter this spring (download it here) was meant to include an invitation to our AGM in Bewdley and a chance to see Car 12 post-refurbishment. However, we've been obliged like everyone else to consider the impact of social contacts in a Covid-19 world, and so the AGM will now be online only. You can find instructions for joining online in the newsletter, but please disregard all the travel instructions: we will NOT be meeting in Bewdley.

Modern railways commends the class 139

July's issue of Modern Railways includes a review of the the achievement of the class 139 ten years after first entering service. The exceptional reliability (already one of the UK’s most reliable public transport operations, the service recorded 100% reliability in three consecutive reporting periods between March-May 2019 - 16,286 journeys, all on time, with no cancellation of service) has been rewarded with huge increases in patronage on the route.
Following Ian Walmsley’s paean to the class 139 cars at Stourbridge it is worth noting that our own railcar is the third vehicle in this class and is nearly ready for passenger service.  We are looking forward to proving trials at a suitable location in the immediate future.
For more on the tenth anniversary, see https://premetro.co.uk.

New investment sought as Car 12 is prepared for operation

We're very pleased to say that the skilled and supportive staff at Trailways have done a fantastic job turning ‘Car 12’ into a smart, adaptable and reliable railcar ready for use on any branch line. It needs to be tested on a suitable track, but there is no doubt in our mind that this could enter passenger transport service without delay.
With a modest additional investment we can settle all the costs of the Car 12 upgrade and by so doing gain all-but full ownership of a brand new rail vehicle - something rarely available for less than a seven figure sum. The strengthening of our balance sheet will enable us to invest futher in catalysing the development of light rail schemes across the UK - including one where Car 12 can carry its first passengers.
We are presently circulating the share offer document (click to download) primarily among existing members, but would welcome interest from other supporters of light rail. You should take seriously the notes regarding the risks and returns associated with investments such as this, and always seek independent advice before making any investment in full-risk shares.

Our newsletter for November 2018 celebrates the completion of works on Car 12 to upgrade it to class 139 compatibility, and announces the AGM. Click here to download.

Our newsletter for November 2017 has a roundup of ultra light rail schemes including Trampower in Preston and new thinking for Ludgershall. Download it here.

Our newsletter for July 2017 includes a report on the options for a short route shuttle at Gobowen, and progress on the works on our railcar. To download, click here.