Deaf-led business benefits from grant to increase inclusive employment opportunities

A company that offers a unique employment environment for deaf people and is deaf-led is using the support of a Fenland business grant to help it continue to thrive.

Rai and Rai Bathrooms opening event. Fenland District Council leader Cllr Chris Boden, far left, and, in the bath, Whittlesey Mayor and Fenland councillor Kay Mayor, with back, from left, Daniel Allen, Steve Swalow, Cllr Simon Black, Cllr Dee Laws, Raimon

Rai and Rai Bathrooms opened in Market Street, Whittlesey, in December last year (2023) and has found the town a welcoming base.

The business is an evolution of Rai and Rai General Builders launched by deaf friends Raimonds Epners, 35, and Raivis Tidemanis, 45, in 2019.

The pair have British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters on site and remotely to allow them to provide a full service to the deaf and hearing community. Of their nine-strong staff, six are deaf and the firm's directors plan to keep providing inclusive employment opportunities.

Rai and Rai Bathrooms was one of 16 business to receive a £5k Fenland Rural England Prosperity grant in the first round of bidding.

The grant helped ensure Rai and Rai Bathrooms had screens large enough to enable seamless dial-in sign language translations between hearing and non-hearing staff and customers, and an adequate desk space to accommodate it, when live translations are not possible.

Image above: Rai and Rai Bathrooms opening event. Fenland District Council leader Cllr Chris Boden, far left, and, in the bath, Whittlesey Mayor and Fenland councillor Kay Mayor, with back, from left, Daniel Allen, Steve Swalow, Cllr Simon Black, Cllr Dee Laws, Raimonds Epners. Centre, from left - Raivis Tidemanis, Daniel McMillan, Ruth Godden and dog Bella.

"So uplifting to be our own managers"

Raimonds said: "Setting up the business in 2019 was something we had always wanted to do after many years working with people who we couldn't always communicate with as we are both profoundly deaf and use BSL to communicate.

"It was so uplifting to be our own managers and make our own plans for the future.

"Setting up the bathroom showroom in Whittlesey has been a wonderful experience, being able to engage with the local community and feel part of a wider group of people. Being deaf can often feel isolating but we have been made to feel so welcome in Whittlesey.

"Communication is key to any business and of course this is a little harder for us using BSL.

"Communication can often take longer so we have had to be mindful of this as we grow the business.

"It feels fantastic, and sometimes surreal, to be able to offer people job opportunities and to be a part of our close team.

"This is especially important for deaf people as it is vital they're able to fully communicate with colleagues and managers."

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is being delivered by Fenland District Council's economic growth team Fenland for Business.

"Always believe in yourself"

Raivis Tidemanis had advice for other entrepreneurs.

He said: "Always believe in yourself and ask other experienced people as much as you can! Having people around you and learning every day makes us better.

"Fenland for Business is very valuable as it gives businesses extra support."

Ruth Godden, British Sign Language interpreter for the firm, added: "If you want support, ask Fenland for Business. The team is so helpful and so knowledgeable. Getting that advice is great."

Raimonds, of Whittlesey, and Raivis, of Peterborough, have each been deaf from birth and met playing basketball.

Rural England Prosperity Fund grants

Applications for the second round of Rural England Prosperity Fund grants and two other schemes - the Investment in Business Programme and Fenland Start-up Business Support Programme - are now being sifted. Applicants will soon know if they have been successful.

The three schemes will see a total of more than £1million pumped into Fenland businesses to help the prosperity of the area and increase employment.

Grant bids estimated that the first-round funding awarded in 2023/2024 alone, would help with the creation of 40 jobs.

Fenland for Business is a free-to-the-user service provided by Fenland District Council to support businesses to establish and grow in Fenland.

It provides support and information around funding, skills and training, contacts and networking, new business premises and expansion, research and product development, Fenland District Council services - including planning, environmental health and waste.

Fenland for Business

Cllr Ian Benney, portfolio holder for economic growth and skills, said: "Fenland for Business is a vital and valuable service that supports business to thrive in our area to the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.

"The team's excellent local and international connections and knowledge means it is perfectly placed to help businesses to overcome challenges, take advantage of opportunities and move forward.

"It provides an excellent sounding board to help businesses work through barriers and maximise opportunities - and it all comes at no cost to them.

"You only have to see the feedback the team gets from businesses to see the difference it makes. We encourage anyone who does business in Fenland, or who would like to, to get in touch."

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: "Making starting or growing a business more accessible is vital to helping our region thrive. This business, which has geared itself to the needs of its employees, is a great example of where Rural Prosperity Fund money can make a genuine difference to local jobs and economic growth."

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is funded with money awarded to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority by the Government's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It's part of the Government's wider Levelling Up programme and linked to other opportunities available via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Investment in Business Programme and Fenland Start-up Business Support Programme were funded by UK Government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Shared Prosperity Fund. This was thanks to a successful bid by Fenland District Council in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).