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On Gap Finders Finders this week, Winifred Robinson speaks to James Anderson, founder of Depher, a not-for-profit plumbing company that provides free and discounted services to disabled, elderly and vulnerable people. James, who was himself once homeless, has been running Depher, which stands for Disabled & Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Repair, since March 2017.
Born in Liverpool, James was a bin-man before becoming a plumber in 1998. We hear what led to his decision to move from regular paid work to running a social enterprise. Dubbed 鈥淏ritain鈥檚 kindest plumber鈥� by the media, for helping some of society鈥檚 most destitute and vulnerable people, James reveals how a 拢0 invoice he gave to a terminally ill woman after fixing her boiler, went viral on social media, bringing in tens of thousands of pounds in donations.
James explains how the actor, Hugh Grant, is amongst Depher鈥檚 biggest donors but even with that level of support, it鈥檚 still been a struggle to keep the dream alive.
In this episode of Gap Finders, we explore how James has tried to show a more compassionate side to business, one which is supported and sustained through community enterprise. We also hear how he hopes to roll out the Depher model in every town and city across the UK.

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Tara Holmes