Bedford Group in $50m upgrade of sites, new job pathways

SA disability services provider Bedford Group has unveiled a $50m vision to upgrade its sites and deliver new pathways to employment.

Bedford Group will build new facilities, redevelop existing sites and sell surplus land as part of a $50m shake up of one of the state’s largest disability employment providers.

The investment will include creating an advanced manufacturing hub in Adelaide’s north, establishing new sites in the southern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills, and redeveloping Bedford’s Panorama head office and the Balyana residence in Clapham.

As part of its five-year “masterplan”, Bedford will expand into the western suburbs with a new commercial site specialising in contract kitchens and a new “Day Options” site for social and skills development.

Bedford chief executive Myron Mann said the $50m-plus investment was the biggest in the organisation’s 75-year history, and reflected its “unwavering commitment to secure our future”.

“This masterplan will ensure we meet the needs of our clients, staff and wider Bedford community,” he said.

“We know the disability sector is changing, and with it, more contemporary and inclusive forms of employment and service delivery need to be offered.

Bedford Group chief executive Myron Mann, left, with employee Lee Roberts. Picture: Supplied by Bedford

“Yes, we will have new sites and create new jobs, but this investment is so much more. This will offer unprecedented opportunity and support for people with disability.”

Bedford’s five-year plan is designed to deliver to its 1600 clients new employment pathways and training programs.

The organisation will bring its commercial businesses together under one unit called Bedford Social Enterprises, creating its own employment market that will create jobs for people of all abilities, including those looking to move to open employment.

Mr Mann said opportunities for open employment were currently limited and Bedford intended to become the “market maker”.

He said Bedford Social Enterprises would also partner with food and beverage companies to provide contract kitchens, canning and bottling opportunities and other services across retail, production and processing markets.

“This is really about advancing the offer for employment,” he said.

“Bedford Social Enterprises will consist of multiple businesses operating in fully competitive markets. They will operate within a charter and social impact will be embedded within the business.

“Each enterprise will attract investment from Bedford’s social impact fund.”

Panorama employee Lee Roberts said he was excited about the prospect of further developing his work and life skills.

“I’ve worked at Bedford for 12 years and I’m team leader at our Bedford Cafe,” he said.

“I write the menu for the coming week and help create recipes. I love cooking and can’t wait to learn more skills.”