Spark News
November 7 2011
SPARK WORKS!
Spark Challenge is an investment programme with a difference, which the TREES Group managed on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government that invests in social enterprises that provided training, work experience and employment for homeless people.
Key to the success is the partnership between the private, public and third sectors.
Without the business expertise of British Telecom, Places for People, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Willmott Dixon in supporting the new enterprises with business plans, implementation strategies and in many cases ongoing support, Spark would not have been as successful.
The Viking 2 report sets out the social and financial benefits arising from the government’s initial investment of £2.94m, in the 3 years to 31st March 2011. The highlights were: -
- 696 homeless people entering sustainable employment
- 872 homeless people gaining secure housing tenancies
- A social value of £8.9m has been created
- An additional £4.5m was leveraged in as a result of the Spark investment
Spark is an iterative model, so the benefits to society and government will continue to flow in subsequent years!
More importantly it proves that public sector investment combined with private sector expertise and third sector knowledge to develop sustainable business ideas does work.
To view a copy of the report click here
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June 28 2011
reCYCLEd – New Bikes for Old
Matt Perry, star of Bath and England Rugby, will be the guest of honour at Bath Bike Workshop on Saturday afternoon 2nd July, when they’ll be celebrating a successful first year. reCYCLEd – Bath Bike Workshop – is a bike recycling social enterprise set up by Julian House charity, which has been working with homeless and vulnerable people in Bath for more than 20 years.
The business takes in donated bikes and renovates them whenever possible. If a bike can’t be put back into a roadworthy state, it can be used for spares or recyclable scrap metal. Practically nothing is wasted.
Adam Read, Workshop Manager, emphasised “All our recycled, repaired and serviced bikes are certified safe by a qualified bike mechanic before they leave our premises’. We also provide affordable repairs and servicing. We aim to turnaround most jobs within 24 hours but simple things like a puncture can often be fixed straight away”
reCYCLEd
Adam went on to say, “And if you’re not in Bath, we also offer a mobile service in out-of-town campuses and villages. Bring your bike for repairs or service – if we can fix it on-the-spot, we will, if not we’ll bring it back to the workshop and return it to you in a few days. We can also pick up your unwanted bikes for recycling. See your local press/village hall for details of when the van is round your way – or if you’ve got a suggestion for a venue near you, just let us know.”
reCYCLEd also stocks a range of bike parts, lights, locks, helmets, pumps, bells and much more – all at discount prices. And they’ve got some rare spares that you’re not likely to find anywhere else.
Mark Wilson, who is in charge of the accessories and parts shop was one of the first volunteers and now is employed by the company. “I’m doing an NVQ in Customer Service which is opening my eyes to a lot of new ideas for the development of the retail side of the business.”
The workshop is a great place for people to learn bike skills. Chris Nash, who also started as a volunteer and now works as a trainee mechanic, has already gained the CYTECH Stage 1 qualification and is working towards Stage 2.
Sue Lowman, social enterprise worker, explained how the business grew from small beginnings, “It all started little more than a year ago with a couple of volunteers fixing up their bikes in a tiny garden shed. Now we’ve got much bigger premises in Corn Street and, thanks to the SPARK Challenge, the building has been refurbished so it’s now a safe and comfortable working environment. The SPARK money also bought tools, equipment and training so we can offer a really professional service to our customers.”
“Or if you want to learn how to do it yourself, contact us about our bike maintenance courses for beginners and for people who want to learn the finer points of customising. We’ve got the tools and the experts to help you to keep your bike running smoothly and safety.”
The bike workshop is open at least 6 days a week – look out for Sunday opening coming soon – from about 9 to 5, later on Thursdays and Fridays. Everyone is welcome to come in and have a look at what’s on offer or just for a chat with the dedicated staff about bikes, cycle routes, events and news in the cycling world.
35 Corn Street Bath,
BA1 1UF
Tel: 07922 326590
Email: bathbikeworkshop@gmail.com
Web: www.bath-bike-workshop.org.uk
Photos by Bob Grainger photography. www.bobgraingerphotography.com
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May 17 2011
Applications open for The Crunch 2011
Social Traders, based in Australia, has announced that they are now taking applications for the 2011-12 round of The Crunch. The Crunch is Social Traders’ investment and development initiative and offers social enterprises in Victoria more than just money. The Crunch provides access to training, mentoring, networks and support, along with the opportunity to pitch for a share of the Crunch Investment Fund.
The Crunch is modelled on the UK sister program, the highly successful Spark Challenge www.sparkchallenge.org.uk.
Applications open for The Crunch 2011
“We are very excited that we can once again offer budding social enterprises the opportunity to fully develop a business plan for their idea and pitch for possible investment.” said Libby Ward-Christie, Social Traders’ Manager of Investment and Growth.
This year’s application process has two steps: (i) attend an Application Workshop and (ii) prepare a submission about your social enterprise idea. Workshops will be held across Victoria throughout June and applications are due on 6 July 2011.
For further details visit the Crunch website at www.thecrunch.socialtraders.com.au
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1 April 2011
Spark Network Launch
On March 31st, Spark organisations from past and present attended the Spark Network launch at Highpoint Conference Centre in Leicester. The Spark Network was introduced with the assistance of the Spark Directory which lists all of the products and services provided by the various Spark organisations.
Spark Network Launch presentation
The Network Launch aimed to encourage the selling between the Spark organisations, generating income for each other and gaining an invaluable list of contacts for future business opportunities. By encouraging trading between the different Spark organisations.
Representatives from all the attending organisations were on hand to give a brief presentation on the services they offer and what they hope to achieve, discussing difficulties they have encountered along the way.
Following the presentations the Spark organisations took the opportunity to network and learn more about each other.
Spark Networking
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24 March 2011
Making Sparks Fly
22nd March 2011 saw Making Sparks Fly officially launching the Sparklers businesses at Kettners in London. John Montague, Spark co-founder, opened proceedings followed by speeches from Richard Cunningham (HCA) and Don Macdonald (St Mungos).
John Montague opens Making Sparks Fly with Richard Cunningham
2009 Sparkler Nigel Hulme (Squeaky Chains, www.squeakychains.blogspot.com) then took centre stage to talk about how the Sparklers programme allowed him to set up Squeaky Chains, an enterprise to help homeless people get back on their feet. Nigel said “this enterprise isn’t a way for me to help myself, but a way to help others to restore their dignity.”
The current Sparklers then introduced themselves, spoke about their involvement in the programme and discussed their business ideas.
Paul Coombes told the audience about how through the Sparklers process he has managed to turn his life around, including regaining custody of his son who was in attendance. Paul is setting up a gardening, paint and decorating service that will allow service users to gain work experience and integrate themselves back into the local community and help other disadvantaged people.
Hatem AlyElyazzat started a life of fitness at the age of four doing gymnastics and by the age of six he had already begun his training in Shotokan Karate. After twenty years experience, Hatem is trained in a range of activities ranging from martial arts to basketball and athletics. He is now looking to use this knowledge and ability to teach others how to lead healthy lifestyles and positive lives and using martial arts to break down the barriers between different groups of people in the community.
www.martialartfitness.co.uk
Following a misspent youth, Andy Wand is now looking to establish a painting and decorating service that will operate in his local area of Melton Mowbray. He told plans of his future vision of expanding his company and being able to hire and offer work experience to others who come from difficult backgrounds. Andy has already received two contracts to help him establish his company.
www.arwdecorating.co.uk
All three Sparklers are due to start trading in April.
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17 January 2011
Igniting the Spark 2011
Richard Johnson, managing director of Serco Welfare to Work, attended Igniting the Spark at the BT Tower on Monday 17th January. Serco are one of the biggest providers of the government’s current Work Programme, and on the night Johnson pointed out that one third of his 70 sub-contractors are from the third sector.
Richard Johnson at the Igniting the Spark debate
At the debate, Johnson called for ‘cleverer’ procurement, whereby more money was attached to those people who are more difficult to help because of the greater social and taxpayer return down the line.
‘It’s not about the cuts, it’s about what you pay for and if you have cleverer procurement that allows me to pay for services delivered by specialist providers for those people who need more help getting into work.’
Also in attendance at the BT Tower was Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General who gave the government’s response to the Spark debate. He strongly emphasised the “greater need for social investment” in enterprises that provide a mix of both financial and social returns.
The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP addressing the case of social enterprise
Maude went on to say that the Big Society Bank would ‘enhance’ the social investment market and that philanthropic foundations would soon have the freedom to invest their capital, not only for best financial return, but also in social-mission products like the social impact bond.
‘There is a huge amount of capital out there and the scope for the social impact bonds will be considerable if we can open up the market in this way,’ said Maude.
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29 NOVEMBER 2010
B.HUG Announced Golden Project Winner
B.Hug (Community Insight), having secured investment from Spark 2010, has also been announced on 23rd November at the House of Lords as one of the Housing Action Charity’s (HACT) Golden Project winners.
HACT launched its Golden Projects competition in June 2010 to mark its 50th year of working with the housing sector for the benefit of poor and marginalised groups.
HACT’s Patron, the Right Reverend John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, said: “For 50 years HACT has worked with the housing sector to find homes for the poor in our communities. The twelve national Golden Projects chosen to celebrate our Jubilee Year show local people building cohesive communities.”
To read more on this story, Click Here.
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9 AUGUST 2010
SPARKLERS SOUGHT FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR CONTEST
Homeless entrepreneurs with a business idea that can take them into employment and independent living are being sought to take part in Sparklers 2010.
Sparklers provide opportunities for homeless entrepreneurs to develop both new business ideas and the skills to run their own businesses.
Sparklers 2010 was launched by founders John Montague, CEO of the TREES group, and Nigel Kershaw, Chair of Big Issue Invest.
Davina Roberts, a winning Sparkler from 2009, said that she couldn’t emphasise enough the importance of anyone with a good business idea having the courage to take it forward to the panel.
Davina Roberts, a winning Sparkler from 2009.
Since winning backing to set up Punch and Juicy; a social enterprise creating and selling healthy juices in the form of Liquid foods ‘an alternative concept for those who wish to gain nutrition in liquid forms, Davina’s enterprise has moved from strength to strength, seeing her establish a nine-week training scheme for other homeless people to teach them about attitude, health and safety, food hygiene, undertake work experience in high-profile restaurants, and ultimately find work.
Davina, aged 31, had been homeless for seven years before she sought the backing.
“My life has changed so much over the past year that it can be overwhelming,” she said. “The faith and support the Sparklers team, particularly Nigel Kershaw had in me, was huge. He was a fantastic mentor. I would say to anyone thinking about it: what do you have to lose? You are homeless, you have nothing to risk!
“I am now working with other homeless people to help them make the transition from being homeless to being someone with a job and a home and a reason. I know it’s not easy, and that’s why I’m a good person to advocate this – I have been there and I have done it, so I know how hard it can be,” she added.
Founder John Montague said: “Sparklers provides vital funding and support to homeless entrepreneurs with passion and drive to develop, test, market and launch their own business ideas. Sparklers unlocks the potential in these entrepreneurs, not only help themselves but to also help others and their community.”
Nigel Kershaw added, “Sparklers is a crucial stepping stone in helping homeless entrepreneurs achieve their business aspirations.”
Entrants for Sparklers 2010 need to submit their applications to sparklers@sparkchallenge.org.uk by 5pm on 24th September.
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5 JULY 2010
SPARK 2010 Press Release
Social entrepreneurs with bright ideas that will provide training, skills development, employment and independent living opportunities to tackle homelessness are being challenged to bid for a share of a £1.6 million investment fund.
The Spark 2010 Challenge – building on the success of 2008 and 2009 – was launched today (5th July) by founders John Montague, CEO of The TREES Group, and Nigel Kershaw, Chair of Big Issue Invest, with the continued support of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
“Spark is much more than a competition or a grant application. It is a
cross-sector collaboration that brings together leading organisations and social enterprises from the public, private and third sector to work together to build sustainable solutions to homelessness,” said John Montague.
“For the third year we are immensely pleased to announce the involvement of Spark partners PricewaterhouseCoopers, Places for People and BT, and welcome Willmott Dixon to the partnership.
Bringing together these partners brings value to their businesses, employees and the communities in which they work.
It also shows how social enterprise can transform the lives of homeless people by providing training and employment and a route out of street and hostel life,” said Nigel Kershaw.
Entrants for Spark 2010 need to submit their business case via www.sparkchallenge.org.uk by 5pm on 13 August.
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Home by Merseystride
Winners of a bronze award at the
CLIO Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious advertising industry competitions, announces winners for the 2010 interactive & innovative awards in New York City
About The CLIO Awards
The CLIO Awards is one of the world’s most recognized awards competition for advertising, design and communications. The CLIO Awards has maintained its original commitment to celebrate and reward creative excellence, honoring a powerful form of communication and its impact on modern culture. At the same time, the CLIO Awards remains focused on evolving with the industry in order to acknowledge the most current, breakthrough work. To this day, CLIO’s iconic statue is the most widely recognized and coveted symbol of the industry’s creative accomplishments.
Manchester based design company, The Chase, produced the new Home by Merseystride corporate identity designs that competed with international organisations including Coca Cola, Unicef, Bang & Olufsen and HBO.
http://www.clioawards.com/winners/winners.cfm (Please scroll down towards the "Home - Recycled Furniture Store
The Chase, Manchester
Corporate Identity" which is the middle.)
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Spark Winners at the Chelsea Flower Show
www.rhs.org.uk Chelsea Flower Show PLaces of Change
The Following organisations have been involved in the Places of Change show garden and or will be exhibiting on the trade stand.
Aspire Oxfordshire
01865 204450
jennyfox@aspireoxford.co.uk
www.aspireoxford.co.uk
Aspire Oxfordshire helps people who’ve experienced homelessness achieve positive change through access to paid work in real business environments. Based in Oxford, Aspire runs a garden maintenance and design business for private individuals and businesses alike, with many regular customers. In collaboration with Burford Garden Company, Aspire is developing a 7 acre site growing, fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale to the local community.
Gilead
01837 850240
www.gilead.org.uk
Gilead Foundation is a rehabilitation centre which helps people with life controlling problems such as drugs and alcohol. The centre is a residential centre and people come from all over the country. Gilead works with Risdon Enterprises which is a farming social enterprise who provides work therapy and skills training in various activities such as agriculture, catering, building, landscaping, administration. The social enterprise’s aim is to work towards bringing in the finance needed to help support the charity and clients that cannot find the full funds to come on Gilead’s programme.
Shekinah Mission
www.shekinahmission.co.uk
Plymouth-based Shekinah Mission provides help and support to homeless, addicted, isolated, and otherwise socially-disadvantaged and excluded adults in the local community. It aims to develop their capacities and skills and help them back into employment, accommodation and independent living, leading to full participation in society.
The Mission’s social enterprise provides a supported work environment for service users who have successfully completed training courses, but need a 'stepping stone' before holding down employment. The social enterprise teaches bricklaying, plastering and art and craft skills among other things and manufactures a range of products including hand-made slate and wooden boxes to sell.
SPARK Fabrications and Framing Ltd
Two Saints
02380 788375
www.sparkfabricationsandframing.co.uk
SPARK is a social enterprise which is part of Two Saints Housing Association. SPARK offers professional quality bespoke steel fabrications for commercial and domestic settings of all sizes from gates and railings to windmills. All profits are reinvested to provide skills and confidence opportunities to people at risk at homelessness. For the Places of Change Garden, they are producing a section of decorative railing which demonstrates the journey of a homeless person from the street to the Chelsea Flower Show.
Suitcase Media
07939 562184
james@suitcasemedia.org
http://suitcasemedia.org
Suitcase Media offers organisations the opportunity to commission projects such as audio tours, podcasts, video and interactive multi media experiences.
We run a production training programme in hostels and day centres for homeless people who wish to become part of these projects by using technical skills, researching, writing or presenting.
Winter Willow
01223 518140
www.winterwillow.org.uk
www.winterwillowsales.com/thewillowway/
Winter Willow is a social enterprise, part of the charity WinterComfort for the Homeless, based in Cambridge.
We manufacture woven willow eco-coffins and other basketry items, with our centre users, staff and volunteers working as a production team. As a social business the surplus we make goes directly to support the work of our charity team – helping those who are at risk of homelessness or who are already homeless.
We craft our eco-coffins with care and passion, using only English willow from sustainable stocks, which we soak, grade and weave in our own workshops. You can see an example of our eco-coffins on the Places of Change Tradestand at the show.
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The Crunch
What is the Crunch?
The Crunch is Social Traders’ investment and development initiative. www.socialtraders.com.auThe Crunch is more than money. It provides access to training, mentoring, networks and support, along with the opportunity to pitch for a share of the Crunch Investment Fund.
Crunch participants will be supported by Social Traders and a range of experts from leading corporate organisations, with the aim of turning your idea into a viable social enterprise.
The Crunch is modelled on our UK sister program, the highly successful Spark Challenge (www.sparkchallenge.org.uk).
The Crunch has two major objectives:
Objective 1: Provide a platform for the development of commercially viable social enterprises by:
Working with social enterprise practitioners to increase their capacity via training and mentoring
Providing flexible and appropriate financing
Building networks between the corporate and social enterprise sectors
Objective 2: Develop a model for support of social enterprise that:
Builds on the Spark Challenge model developed by the TREES Group in the UK and is applicable to the Australian context
Results in an increasing diversity of exemplary social enterprises
Is a self-sustaining investment fund for social enterprise, in the longer term
In 2010 the Crunch is only available to social enterprises that are or will be operating in Victoria.
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