23rd February 2004
X-TREMELY HOPEFUL FUTURE FOR TEXTILES IN BARNSLEY

X-treme Magic, an innovative Social Enterprise has started production manufacturing bespoke tailor made uniforms. Their main customers are Drum and Bugle corps, marching bands and similar organisations.

The social enterprise was established when Magic Drum and Bugle Corps, a local voluntary group, noticed a gap in the market when they were looking for uniforms for themselves. They found they could only buy them from abroad, mainly the USA and they were expensive.

Barnsley Development Agency’s Social Enterprise Barnsley Team (formerly CERT) helped them secure start up funding from Objective One and Single Regeneration Budget. This help has enabled the business to start up and create two new jobs for a co-ordinator and an administrator.

Mark Nicholson, secretary of Magic said, “This is a massive boost for us and will be a big help to the traditionally textile industry in Barnsley. It is also a good example to voluntary groups, showing how they can develop trading arms, creating jobs for local people and leading to financial success.” He added that, “a social enterprise is a perfect model for our new venture; it allows us to run a business but reinvest any profits back into the local community.”

Andy Arnold, a Team Coordinator at Social Enterprise Barnsley added, “This enterprise will create local jobs for local people and has the opportunity to bring national and international trade to Barnsley. This is the first of many enterprises, watch out for other Magic branded businesses in the future!”

The enterprise is currently based at Unit 5 Mount Osborne Business Park, off Pontefract Road, Barnsley. For further information on X-Treme Magic contact Mark Nicholson on 07812 086667 and for information on this and other community enterprises contact the Social Enterprise Barnsley Team 01226 784444.


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www.barnsleydevelopmentagency.co.uk

Press Contact: Sarah Hopwood
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Barnsley Development Agency
Telephone: 01226 640 086
Facsimile: 01226 286 606
Email: shopwood@barnsleydevelopmentagency.co.uk





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