REPRESENTATIVES from Devon Wheels 2 Work were in Brighton on December 10 to attend the Sussex Business Awards, and came away with the “Social Enterprise of the Year” Award on behalf of East Sussex Wheels 2 Work.

Devon Wheels 2 Work is a social enterprise that provides scooter and motorcycle loans to individuals across the whole of Devon, allowing them to access work, education and training by providing subsidised scooter and motorcycle rental.

This means that individuals living or working anywhere in Devon have access to affordable, flexible, independent transport when they may live or work in areas not served by public transport and cannot or do not want to run a car.

In April 2013, Devon Wheels 2 Work was awarded the contract to deliver a Wheels 2 Work scheme in East Sussex as a result of over 12 years of experience and an excellent track record for delivery and sustainable business development.

Devon Wheels 2 Work receives support from Devon County Council, but also generates income from its motorcycle workshop and the Devon Moto showroom to help keep the rental costs as low as possible for its customers. Any profits that we make are reinvested into the scheme and the local area.

The Eastbourne-based East Sussex Wheels 2 Work programme has been established in the same way, but has benefitted from the years of development in Devon.

Within 12 months of opening the showroom doors, it has 90 bikes out on the road and has helped 150 people solve their transport issues.

It has been a very busy but very exciting first year, and the teams in both Holsworthy and Eastbourne are very proud of their achievements and the recognition from the Sussex business community.

Max Jowett, Chief Exec of both Wheels 2 Work Programmes said: “We’re really pleased to receive this award, and very proud of all that East Sussex Wheels 2 Work has achieved with the support of East Sussex County Council and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

"The recognition from the Sussex business community is a fantastic endorsement for us, and is significant for the sustainable development of Wheels 2 Work nationally.

"The Social Enterprise award rounds off a very busy year for us and is a testament to what can be achieved in a short time through this established business model."