Home | Business | PCMI Signs | Other aspects of PCMI

Other aspects of PCMI

We are a Supported Employment Business that employs people with various disabilities in a commercial environment and are an integral part of Portsmouth City Council

The supported employees are employed within a framework of a "workstep" programme, which is set up as a stepping-stone to prepare unemployed disabled people for full, sustainable employment, with appropriate support and guidance.

We have been operating in Cosham since 1930 as a supported workshop for disabled people and have manufactured many items. Since the 1980s we have focused and mastered on the manufacture of signs.

Over time, we have evolved from a very small screen printing and engraving operation, to a fully equipped sign making facility which has latest technology in sign making equipment and expertise within the south coast. Most of our customers are from education authorities and the public sector, but we also supply to private businesses and the sign trade.

2003 saw the successful merger with the New Deal Unit, which manages and facilitates various programmes such as Workprep and New Deal for Disabled people. This partnership has enabled a one-stop shop of wide-ranging support to anyone looking for a job or training opportunities.

During the later part of 2004 the Cosham site underwent a substantial refurbishment and improvement programme. This programme has seen a considerable investment in staff, equipment and in the fabrication of the building; including the opening of new multi-purpose training and IT facilities which will enable the facility to strive and achieve to become a centre of excellence for training, guidance and support for people who are entering into the employment market.

This has also resulted in extensive re-organisation of the layout, which has enabled a better flow of operation in production and process and improve the efficiency of the combined operation.

Our aims and objectives

Our aims and objectives are the same as the council, which is "Serving the people of Portsmouth".

The aims and objectives of all the programmes complement and mirror the top priorities of the council in terms of:

• improving the numbers of local people in employment
• improving job prospects
• increasing the volumes of people actively involved in learning and education
• reducing the impact of poverty
• contributing to the reduction in levels of crime and disorder
• in an indirect way, impact positively on improvements in personal health and social care and continually protect and improve the environment
• assist in making Portsmouth a better place in which to live, work and play
• helping to create and sustain a healthy community and economy