Our Mission

The offer of quality, bespoke training in vocational settings for adults with additional needs has increased in the last ten years. However the number and variety of placements remains too few to meet needs, and hardly any are customer-facing.

People in receipt of a personal budget may stay at home with little or no community engagement. They may prefer not to pursue training or employment but for many it is not a choice.

That’s where we come in!

The Plane Tree is a community-based retail outlet specifically designed to offer person-centered retail training and experience. Specialist trainers, experienced in supporting people with complex needs working in partnership with service users, local authorities and employers.

We also sell products created by local artists. So next time you are in Beeston pop into peruse some of our lovely goods and support adult learners in the process.

…Because just like the story of the Plane Tree. Worth is far too often overlooked.

‘The travellers sought shade beneath the branches of the plane tree. Lying there they considered the tree. ‘What use is a plane tree? No fruit, no blossom, just leaves that will litter the ground.’