Brain injury news
19/06/2008

Brain injury survivors turn woodwork into success

A Leeds company staffed and run by sufferers of brain injury has been rewarded by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education for its successes.

The 11 people of the firm, who once feared that their personal injury meant they may never work again, have turned their love of woodwork into a successful business providing local schools and playgrounds with wooden furniture, and recently received an order from the local council.

One of the original students said, "At first, we just sold to family and friends, but we have grown steadily, according to our business plan, and now have orders that will see the business grow and prosper.

"When we enrolled on the woodworking course, we never imagined for a minute we would be running a business. We have all suffered serious brain injury and feared we would never return to work.

"Now we have the skills and confidence to draw up a business plan, and design, manufacture and market our own products. More importantly, we have regained our self-esteem."

A local councilor expressed pride in the company's employees, praising the way they had used the business as a way of overcoming the effects of the various accidents and incidents that had caused their personal injury.

"It takes a lot of courage to set up in business and to do this while recovering from serious injury is a remarkable feat.

"We should all congratulate them and wish them well for the future."

Reports did not state if any of the workers had considered appointing a no win, no fee solicitor to make a brain injury compensation claim.