Pearce Distribution Services (PDS) a logistics, storage and distribution business, is operating and being managed by visually impaired people for what is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Funded by the European Social Fund and with support from Action for Blind People, the company operates a commercial business out of a large factory in Bermondsey, South East London. PDS is giving visually impaired people first hand knowledge and real experience in establishing and running a successful business.
Ashley Pearce, manager at PDS says: “PDS will have a highly flexible approach. It will store and dispatch items, working from a customer database provided by the suppliers. Virtually every aspect of the work depends on all of the team having access to equipment specially adapted for visually-impaired people, which will enable them to provide a good quality service to their clientele”.
PDS are currently looking for companies in the same area of the market to network with and establish new business, particularly companies that require pick, pack and dispatch and storage services.
Geoff Jelly, the accounts manager in PDS, adds “We believe that the business trade would be interested to learn about this new and innovative approach to business and employment training. With 3 out of 4 blind and partially sighted people out of employment this has been a fantastic opportunity to enable visually impaired people to work.”
