These case studies are included to act as reference to demonstrate the impact that well designed processes can make in delivering meaningful social value that makes a real difference to local communities.
Case study 1: Evolution
Evolution is a privately held construction business based in Blackpool, founded in 2012 by JJ Fitzgerald. Initially launched as a one man operation from JJ’s bedroom in Fleetwood, the company has grown and now employs around 80 professionals across Lancashire.
Evolution specialises in general build, electrical, mechanical, and reactive/planned maintenance, supplying housing associations, local authorities, and contractors.
The company have displayed a strong commitment to community building initiatives, and the company support training and employment opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them begin careers in construction.
Evolution has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating meaningful social impact in the Blackpool area. Between July and September 2025, the organisation delivered significant outcomes across four key pillars: local employment, skills development, community engagement, and local economic support.
Blackpool housing maintenance
Evolution were contracted by Blackpool Housing Company for a maintenance contract which started in October 2023. Social value was a scored element within the tendering process, accounting for 20% of the available marks. Within this process Evolution were required to put forward a submission outlining how they would deliver social value through the contract. Evolution was able to lever its position as a local organisation embedded within the community to submit a strong social value offer.
Throughout contract delivery Evolution prioritised hiring from the local community, with approximately 90% of its workforce drawn from Blackpool. During the reporting period the company recruited seven new employees, including two apprentices.
A standout success story is W, a former Athena School student with autism. After gaining work experience with Evolution since 2023 W transitioned into a full electrical apprenticeship in September 2025. His journey reflects Evolution’s inclusive approach and commitment to supporting individuals with additional needs.
Evolution also used the contract and their commitment to making a positive difference to provide opportunities for skills and training through:
- work experience: Continued partnership with Education Diversity, offering hands-on experience to many students to work alongside skilled operatives
- leadership development: Six team members are pursuing the CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership, strengthening internal capability and career progression
- entry level opportunities: One of their apprentices featured in a CITB video campaign encouraging young entrants to join the construction industry.
In preparation for National Care Leavers Month, Evolution launched a tailored DIY skills programme for young people leaving care. The initiative combined group workshops and in-home support, equipping participants with practical skills for independent living. The first session took place in September 2025, marking the start of a rolling programme that will continue into 2026.
Case study 2: Transport Training Academy
Transport Training Academy (TTA) is a well-established logistics training organisation founded in 2004, with a Burnley training centre, employing just over 20 people. TTA delivers a wide spectrum of training across logistics, transport, warehousing, plant operations, and construction.
TTA's centres are equipped with modern classrooms, DVSA-standard vehicle manoeuvring areas, plant and warehouse simulation zones. TTA works with SMEs to national blue-chip companies, providing tailored fleet training, compliance support and efficiency initiatives.
This also includes fleet driver training, including fuel-efficient techniques, yard shunting, banksman guidance, H&S, and licence awareness.
TTA have successfully bid for, and delivered Skills Bootcamps for three successive years in Lancashire, with social value being a central part of both their company ethos, as well as their tender offer. Skill Bootcamps are procured by Lancashire County Council on behalf of The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, and they are currently delivering a contract worth in excess of £300k.
Within this tender process social value accounts for 10% of the available marks. As part of the tender process TTA put together a proposal which is worth 10% of available tender marks detailing an offer of social value aligned to the Lancashire TOMs plus a method statement covering how they will deliver each one. In contract delivery TTA are then required to deliver on those commitments and complete reporting to the contract authority. Lancashire Skills Hub support delivery throughout contract management through ongoing introductions to local projects, matching of opportunities and helping address barriers that emerge.
Wave 6 Lancashire Skills Bootcamp case study
Transport Training Academy (TTA) has delivered significant social value through Wave 6 of the Lancashire Skills Bootcamps programme, exceeding several key commitments. The organisation created an Employer Engagement Officer role to strengthen links between training and employment.
Careers engagement activities reached 33 hours of support provided to young people through school sessions, careers fairs, Bootcamp roadshows, and partnerships with Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service. TTA also hosted two “Next Generation” events at its Burnley centre, giving school groups hands-on exposure to logistics careers, and offered four weeks of structured work experience placements, building confidence and employability among learners.
Beyond workforce development, TTA invested in inclusion and community impact. The team completed 120 hours of volunteering to transform outdoor spaces at a local day centre, donated plants and materials, and allocated 36 Mental Health First Aid places to strengthen wellbeing support across the region. Additional investment of over £6,000 funded instructor training and progression opportunities for learners, including sponsorship for advanced HGV licensing.
Internally, TTA’s Neurodiversity Champion is undertaking a Level 3 Mental Health qualification to embed inclusive practice. These efforts demonstrate TTA’s commitment to creating pathways into employment, supporting disadvantaged groups, and contributing to community wellbeing—delivering tangible benefits for learners, employers, and local communities across Lancashire.