BUSINESSES can benefit from taking on ex-offenders, said experts at a conference.

Foundation manager for Timpson Ltd Dennis Phillips told the event, organised by the Lancashire Probation Trust, his company thrived on their skills and determination.

He said: “This is my 11th year in Timpsons and when I joined in 2002 it was my remit to expand the work we do with offenders.

“We now work with 80 prisons, run five academies and employ 140 full-time and 70 trainee ex-offenders, while our retention rate for employing ex-offenders is 80 per cent.”

Chief executive of Lancashire Probation Trust Kevin Robinson said: “Timpsons is an excellent example of how a business can grow and develop by tapping into the determination, skill sets and experience of many ex-offenders just waiting to seize an opportunity to show what they can do.

“It is a mutually beneficial situation because, as well as benefitting the business, it can give the ex-offenders a massive boost to their confidence and self esteem.

“From our experience working with offenders, we know that if somebody released from prison is helped into employment then it can greatly reduce their propensity to reoffend.”

The conference was held at the Preston Marriott Hotel to demonstrate to employers the business and social benefits of working with and recruiting ex-offenders.