Social enterprise dedicated to making Leith great celebrates first year of operation

Quay Community Improvements, a subsidiary company of Port of Leith Housing Association, is celebrating its first anniversary with what it describes as “an impressive list of achievements” under its belt, including growing the team of the Scottish Living Wage accredited employer from seven to 18 people.

In its first 12 months of operation, Quay has generated over £300,000 income from carrying out stair cleaning and estate management services with customers reporting improved quality of service since switching to Quay.

As a community interest company, Quay’s profits will be ploughed back into regenerating Leith, and nearby neighbourhoods, through community initiatives focusing on social, economic and physical improvements.

The busy team cleans 231 stairwells every week, which is the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis every three days and Mount Everest every three weeks. The team also uses ‘new to market’ eco-friendly products and is one of the few companies in the UK to do so.

David Welsh, Chair of the Quay Community Improvements Board, said:

“We are thrilled that Quay is going from strength to strength, and we’re excited about the difference it will make to communities in Leith and north Edinburgh. In its first year alone, the team has grown from seven to 18 staff, creating good quality Scottish Living Wage jobs.”