Stories of Brave

Helping young people to realise their full potential

The Stories of Brave campaign celebrates successful business leaders showing strength and courage every day, through dedication, innovation, and commitment to the success and growth of their business. Here we put a spotlight on the success achieved by Our Place Schools of Bransford run by Executive Director David French and his experienced team of care professionals. The Worcestershire-based business is a specialist provider of residential care and education.

David has held a number of senior management posts and is experienced in start- ups, MBOs, IPOs, acquisitions, disposals and turn arounds. He was appointed Investor Director at Our Place in March 2013 and is responsible for operations and business development. Expanding its facilities has been a key focus for Our Place Schools and it has recently launched a new facility called Lakeside @ Our Place, celebrating the people and the services they deliver across the region.

Our Place Schools of Bransford, near Worcester, is a great example of a business looking to the future who has launched a new purpose-designed 10-roomed residential centre for adolescents on the autistic spectrum or with severe learning difficulties in a £1.5m project backed by the bank. The new facility, called Lakeside @ Our Place, is set next to the 6.5 acre grounds of the organisation’s existing residential home, which cares for children and young people.  Lakeside @ Our Place has also been recently Ofsted registered. 

Run by a highly-trained team of specialists led by director Lena Graham, Lakeside @ Our Place provides individuals with bespoke care and education in a secure and homely atmosphere. The registered manager is Emily Clews who is supported by a deputy head of care and team of care workers.

David French, lead investor and executive director at Our Place Schools, said: “Allied Irish Bank (GB)’s backing has been vital to achieving our mission to develop this new facility. From our first meeting the bank’s insight and track record of supporting businesses in the healthcare sector was impressive and I am sure this sector focus is going to make a huge difference to our ongoing business relationship.  

“Opening Lakeside enables us to help make the transition for young people to adulthood as seamless as possible. Our residents will enjoy a high level of independence in a friendly, safe and respectful environment and be encouraged to enjoy the best possible quality of life and realise their full potential.”  

AIB (GB) is backing businesses by providing a range of supports and cashflow solutions tailored to your business needs. For further information, visit Backing Brave.