The Social Enterprise Loan Fund for the North East

Rod Jones
Regional Director

I have been managing the loan fund for the North East region since it was established in 2002. I am passionate to see social enterprises and community organisations do well in our region. I find it rewarding to think that TSELF is playing a part in the success of projects that have helped the North East in so many ways.

In addition to my work with TSELF I am involved in work exploring solutions for the financially excluded through the Sustainable Cities Research Institute and career transition through Right Management.

We may be able to help you with

Examples of clients we have helped

• Horticultural Acumen
  A social enterprise plant nursery
  
• Adapt (North East)
  Provides a range of community services in the North East of England
  
• The Five Lamps Organisation
  Builds an integrated range of social, economic and financial inclusion services throughout the North East
• Funky World
  Provides learning and play opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people, their carers and families in Hartlepool
• Commonwheels
  An innovative North East car club
• Seaton Sluice Scout Group
  Promotes development of young people as responsible citizens and members of their local, national and international communities
• Social Work Co-operative
  Co-operative providing locum social workers and social care staff
• Sunderland Dance
  Company bringing dance and fitness opportunities to people on the fringes of society
• CORE Music
  Encouraging and promoting supported musical activities to those with disabilities, poor mental health and the socially excluded
• Wheels for Freedom
  A highly-regarded minibus service for disabled people
• Stanhope Adventure
  Not-for-profit outdoor activity centre
• Adapt (North East)
  Community transport for disabled people
• Dinamic Ceramics
  Ceramics manufacturer providing training and employment for disadvantaged people
• Rookie Sports
  Using sport as a platform for learning and social interaction
• Get Hooked on Fishing
  Combatting anti-social behaviour by getting young people involved in angling
• Bruvvers Theatre Company
  Community theatre for young people

Horticultural Acumen

Horticultural Acumen, a social enterprise plant nursery in County Durham, is going from strength to strength, reaching sales of over £200,000 and helping to get more people back into work thanks to financial support from TSELF.

A recently awarded loan of £80,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) has enabled Horticultural Acumen in Peterlee, part of the Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust, to employ 11 more staff through the Future Jobs Fund.

Kate Welch, Chief Executive of Acumen, said: “The loan from TSELF has been invaluable, and has enabled us to operate a seasonal business and grow our customer base to over 50 customers including 36 garden centres, two wholesale markets and a number of local parish and town councils for their ‘Britain in Bloom’ entries.

“Without the loan, we could never have taken the risk to start this business, as we only make large sales for four months of the year so need cash to invest in the purchase of compost, seeds, small plants and packaging as well as cover the costs of wages and overheads during the winter as we grow for our peak of spring sales.”

The loan has also made it possible for the organisation to provide training and employment opportunities to over 30 people, previously disadvantaged in the labour market because of long term unemployment, homelessness or an offending background.

Set up in September 2009, Horticultural Acumen is a ten acre nursery with over 2.5 acres of heated glasshouses growing vegetable packs and bedding plants for the wholesale market.

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “Horticultural Acumen is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help many disadvantaged young people in the area, so we are thrilled to be able to assist with funding.”

For further information about Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust visit www.acumentrust.org.uk or call 0191 587 8000.

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Adapt

Adapt (North East) in Hexham, which provides a range of community services, including community transport and driver training, has expanded its fleet of vehicles thanks to additional funding from TSELF.

A recently awarded loan of £55,000 from TSELF has helped Adapt (North East) purchase two low-floor Volkswagen City Litos to collect and drop off passengers as part of its community transport scheme. The charity also provides a Dial-a-Ride for Hexham, Morpeth and throughout West Northumberland which enables Adapt members to book journeys such as shopping trips, hospital appointments, doctor or dentist visits or simply trips to visit friends.

In addition, Adapt offers Individual Support Services for disabled people and Odd Job Services such as moving furniture within the home, small garden tasks or garage tidy-ups for disabled people, older people and women living alone.

Liz Prudhoe, General Manager at Adapt (North East), said: “We appreciate the continued support from TSELF. TSELF really understands what we are trying to achieve by working with our local communities and the second loan has been invaluable.”

Rod Jones, Regional Director for TSELF, said: “Adapt (North East) offers something very important to the region and we are thrilled to have been able to provide this second loan.

“TSELF already has an established relationship with Adapt and because we are aware of the important work carried out by the organisation, we will do all we can to ensure it continues to develop.”

For more details about Adapt visit www.adapt-ne.org.uk or call 01434 600599.

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The Five Lamps Organisation

The Five Lamps Organisation in Thornaby on Teesside, will soon be able to help thousands more people thanks to financial support from a The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A recently awarded loan of £30,000 from TSELF has supplemented Big Lottery ‘Community Asset Fund’ support, enabling The Five Lamps Organisation, to refurbish a Grade 2 listed, local authority building on Dovecot Street in Stockton town centre, to provide vital facilities for hard to reach people in the community.

As part of a Big Lottery initiative, and in partnership with Stockton Borough Council and TSELF, the £370,000 project has created a focal point for Five Lamps’ services including: assistance into employment; an enterprise gateway; young people’s services; a range of key skills and accredited learning; financial inclusion advice and access to affordable credit, with the aim of reaching at least 4,000 people per year. In addition, up to ten other local third sector organisations will be able to use the new facilities each year.

Graeme Oram, Chief Executive of The Five Lamps Organisation, said: “The newly refurbished building provides much needed space for us to deliver these life-changing services to our communities.

“We have developed an excellent relationship with TSELF, and the support we have received has been superb. We are truly grateful.”

Founded 25 years ago, The Five Lamps Organisation is a registered charity and has had considerable success in building an increasingly integrated range of social, economic and financial inclusion services in Stockton-on-Tees, the wider Tees Valley and now throughout the North East. It has become one of the largest and most highly respected social enterprise organisations in the region, employing 80 staff. Turnover for 2010-2011 will top £3.1million.
Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “The Five Lamps Organisation offers an amazing service to many people in the area and we are thrilled to be able to assist in this way.”

For more information about The Five Lamps Organisation, visit www.fivelamps.org.uk or call 01642 608316.

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Funky World

Children’s Activity Centre, Funky World in Hartlepool, Teesside, will soon be helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the area, thanks to funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A loan of £116,500 from TSELF will enable Funky World to purchase premises and design a new centre which will provide learning and play opportunities - focusing on particular senses such as feel, vision and sound as well as the more abstract senses of wellbeing, space, time and togetherness - for disadvantaged youngsters, their carers and families.

The centre will be the only one of its kind in the area and will provide a multi sensory environment where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, participate, learn and interact with others in a safe and friendly environment. There will also be unique activities for those with special needs, including sensory loss rooms, interactive studios and soft play areas.

“It is estimated that in Hartlepool alone, 26-30% of the population have a disability,” says Steve Langley, Director and Manager at Funky World.

“According to recent local authority data, there are 476 children and young people with Special Educational Needs in the town, so we are delighted to receive such invaluable support from TSELF for a new centre which will really help these youngsters and their peers, carers and families.”

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “The main objective of the project is to offer children of all abilities the chance to have fun and excitement in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment in accordance with Government legislation, as part of its ‘Every Child Matters’ strategy.

“Funky World offers an amazing service to disadvantaged children and young people in the area and we are thrilled to be able to assist in this way.”

Consultation has already taken place in Hartlepool with local stakeholders including children and young people, parents and carers, local special needs schools and the local authority.

The Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ strategy aims to improve outcomes for all children and young people and the Government believes that communities can make a real difference to improving opportunities for children and young people.

For more information about Funky World, visit www.fwcic.com call 01429 860700 or email info@fwcic.org.

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Commonwheels

Commonwheels, formally known as Option C is an innovative North East car club which is really going places with the help of funding from TSELF. Originally established in Durham, a £45,000 loan is helping the business expand into Newcastle.

“Commonwheels car club was set up as an alternative to people owning

their own cars,” says founder and director Paul Balmont. “Also, as a way of providing pool cars to local businesses to help them reduce costs and staff car usage.”

Paul explains that his thinking behind the scheme was to help break

people’s car habit.

“Most people don’t think twice about using their car, even if it’s not really necessary. When you join a car club it makes you think more about whether you really need to use a car and the environmental implications of its use.”

Paul identified a gap in the market when he set up Commonwheels in 2006, as there were no car clubs in the North East at that time. However, as for many start up businesses, access to funding is often hard to come by. Luckily one of the directors of Commonwheels knew of TSELF and when Paul contacted us we were happy to help. Now, three years on, another loan from TSELF is allowing Commonwheels to expand its operations in the Newcastle area.

“The support we received from TSELF was fundamental,” explains Paul. “Without it we would never have got the finance we needed to start up, let alone win a big contract in Newcastle.”

Commonwheels and Newcastle City Council have recently joined forces to launch a city wide car club for Newcastle.

Commonwheels members can access a car from a growing number of locations across Durham, Newcastle and Chester-le-Street. Cars can be booked for a minimum of half an hour and members ‘pay as they drive’.

As a Community Interest Company, Commonwheels profits are locked into the car club and its future. Also, they don’t have shareholders but are owned by the members of the club, who therefore have a direct say in how Commonwheels develops.

To find out more about Commonwheels visit: www.commonwheels.co.uk.

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Seaton Sluice Scout Group

Seaton Sluice Scout Group is a youth based organisation in Tyne and Wear which, thanks to a £20,000 loan from TSELF, has been able to buy its own premises.

This group is one of the strongest in the district and has been established for almost 80 years. Its objective is to enable children to achieve their own personal challenges and goals through a structured programme of activities, with the aim of raising confidence, aspirations and self esteem in preparation for later life.

Seaton Sluice Scout Group promotes the development of young people as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. Its leaders are all trained through the National Leader Training scheme, which can lead to a nationally recognised youth leadership certificate, through the Open College Network.

The building which TSELF helped the group to buy is in use almost every weekday evening and some weekend days to accommodate various groups of users. However it is planned that this will be extended for greater community use, once the new building has been refurbished.

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Social Work Co-operative

A new co-operative providing locum social workers and social care staff has been set up in North East England thanks to a £60,000 loan from TSELF.

The problems involved in recruiting and retaining social workers have hit the headlines in recent months since Baby P and other cases highlighted failings in the service. Figures revealed earlier this year showed that as many as one in seven social worker posts with local authorities may be vacant. The Social Work Co-operative (SWC) is a unique pilot scheme which has been set up with the aim of reducing the country’s current social worker crisis.

The Social Work Co-operative has been established by a team of social

enterprise experts, including a former social worker, and will not only

supply high quality, temporary staff to local authorities but will also give social workers themselves an opportunity to benefit from better terms and conditions and levels of support.

The new enterprise was founded by three people: Dr Guy Turnbull, who has worked across the UK as a social economy consultant, Carol Bell, social and community enterprise expert and Walter Young, founder and co-director of the highly successful not-for-profit agency, Team Fostering.

SWC will be able to offer local authorities skilled and experienced social workers at an affordable price and all staff registered with the co-operative will become members and benefit from a share of the profits, in addition to having a say in how the organisation is run.

“The structure of the organisation means there will be no external shareholders, ensuring higher than usual levels of investment will be made in support, guidance and supervision systems for staff,” says Dr Turnbull. “We welcome the loan from TSELF, which will play a vital role in getting this exciting new venture off the ground.”

Rod Jones, Regional Director of TSELF, adds: “This is a pioneering project to create a new way of organising the provision of social work services. The co-operative model, which will provide members with a direct input into the running of the business and a share in the profits, will help to ensure staff are motivated and committed. We were delighted to help out.”

Once the format has been tested in the North East the plan is establish a social franchising network to roll out a number of similar social work agencies across the UK.

For more information about the Social Work Co-operative call 0845 313 8452.

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Sunderland Dance

Sunderland Dance is a Community Interest Company that was set up by Deloris Martin, a dance practitioner, and Chris Pearman, a health and social care practitioner. They want to bring dance and fitness opportunities to people on the fringes of society to help alleviate social, financial and educational exclusion.

The enterprise plans to deliver a programme of dance workshops and performance events through outreach, weekly dance classes, intensive projects and attendance at performances. They aim to use dance to help people of all ages explore their creativity and, in doing so, share their experience, communicate their concerns and aspirations, and enable them to challenge and celebrate their lives and communities.

The dance workshops allow a great degree of access and appeal, leading to greater involvement, teamwork, confidence and an increased sense of achievement, helping to motivate and inspire individuals.

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund gave Sunderland Dance CIC a loan of £17,500 to help finance new contracts.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive of TSELF, says: “This is a wonderful organisation which is helping to provide accessible dance and fitness to people from all parts of the community. We are delighted to be able to assist them.”

To find out more about Sunderland Dance visit: www.sunderlanddancecic.com

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CORE Music

CORE Music is a Community Interest Company in Hexham, Northumberland, which encourages and promotes supported musical activities to those with disabilities, poor mental health and the socially excluded. It aims to provide opportunities for involvement in music for people of all ages, abilities and personal circumstances. Profits made are reinvested in the community to provide more music based services to those who cannot afford to pay for them.

The business recently set up a store to sell musical instruments, equipment and accessories, which will not only provide an income stream, but also opportunities for volunteering and eventual employment for people interested in music and an affordable source of music equipment. Income raised through the store will help to fund the organisation’s outreach activities, such as workshops and school music groups. The new premises will also act as a base for other proposed activities including access to demo recording facilities for groups, community groups and individuals.

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund provided a loan of £20,000 to purchase start up stock for the store.

Director of Core Music Mike Coleman said: "The support and encouragement we have received from TSELF has been crucial in enabling us to set up and commence our community enterprise. We are delighted with the progress we are making and hope that our relationship with TSELF continues to develop and prosper."

To find out more about CORE Music CIC and their new store visit www.coremusic.co.uk.

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Wheels for Freedom

A £20,00 loan from TSELF helped Wheels for Freedom save a highly-regarded minibus service for disabled people in Hartlepool.

Wheels for Freedom, a Community Interest Company, stepped in when

the previous owners decided they could no longer continue. The service

was originally set up just over a year ago and benefits from a contract with North East Ambulance Service. The loan from TSELF allowed Wheels for Freedom to purchase the business, including the specialised vehicle.

Ken Fox, director of Wheels for Freedom, says: “The funding we have received from TSELF will enable us to continue to provide an important local transport service for disabled people in a specially adapted minibus. Often disabled people are unable to use conventional public transport, so this service offers a much-needed alternative.”

Ken Fox and fellow director Paul Kelly, both have a background in driving disabled passengers and voluntary work. The business also has significant local support and guidance from agencies such as CapitaliSE, Business Link and Hartlepool Carers, in addition to North East Ambulance Service.

To find out more about Wheels for Freedom email wheelsforfreedom@hotmail.com.

*Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Stanhope Adventure

Stanhope Adventure, a not-for-profit outdoor activity centre in County Durham, received a £20,000 loan from TSELF to make essential improvements to its premises.

Stanhope Adventure, previously known as the Silver Jubilee Adventure Centre, provides accommodation, recreation activities and training facilities for schools, youth organisations and other groups. The centre needed to raise finance to cover the cost of upgrading and refurbishing its buildings and luckily TSELF was able to step in and help.

The centre has provided an important community service for many years and was previously managed by the Durham Association of Youth Clubs. It comprises a former chapel, which houses kitchen and dining facilities, and large residential wooden huts, which offer dormitory accommodation for up to 44 people, a recreation room and leader’s accommodation.

Overlooking the picturesque Wear Valley, Stanhope Adventure is surrounded by grassland which allows for camping, games and barbecues. The centre lies on the Coast to Coast Cycle Route and so is well placed to meet the demand from groups using this route.

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Adapt (North East)

Adapt (North East) is a disability organisation located in Tynedale and now covering the North East region. One of Adapt's main services is a community transport scheme which provides access for a wide range of people, old and young, to get out and do the things that they wish to do. Adapt undertakes home-to-school contracts for disabled children and dial-a-ride shopping services for elderly less mobile people. Adapt also provides access to vehicles for community groups to use.
 
Adapt had an ageing fleet of vehicles which were in need of what was becoming constant repair and needed replacing. It was unrealistic to raise funds for vehicles and also this could have had an effect on how and who could use them.
 
Adapt was referred to TSELF and we provided not only the funds but advice and support through the process of borrowing the monies required. The support and advice aspect was especially important as this was the first time Adapt had borrowed money to develop its work.

For more information about Adapt visit www.adapt-tynedale.org.uk

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Dinamic Ceramics

Dinamic Ceramics is a social enterprise based in Ashington Northumberland, which produces high quality ceramic products featuring the distinctive images of regional artists and graphic designers. The manufacturing process, from transfer design through to final kiln firing provides unique training and employment opportunities for those with mental health, learning difficulties or physical disabilities and therefore furthest from the local labour market.

Recognising that there would be a distinct time lag between initial production runs and payment from customers we needed to finance our start up cash flow position and also introduce leading edge design and production technology to support our marketing proposition of very high quality production in small quantities.

Both CapitaliSE and TSELF worked closely with us to test out the business case and to ensure that risks had been eliminated wherever possible. Twelve months later they continue act as our ‘critical friend’ as we move into the growth and development phase of the business with expansion planned for four franchise units throughout the UK for 2008/9.

For more information about Dinamic Ceramics visit www.dinamic-ceramics.com

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Rookie Sports

Set up in 2004, Rookie Sports is a social enterprise based in Newcastle upon Tyne that uses sport as a platform for learning and social interaction.  It teaches a variety of academic and life skills to a range of people of differing ages and abilities.
 
Its programmes are very successful in engaging people of all ages who do not traditionally take part in physical activities. The activities play a valuable role in helping community groups and individuals improve their quality of life.  

Rookie Sports needed loan finance for two reasons: to purchase sports equipment and to provide working capital because it had to deliver the training sessions before receiving payment.  TSELF agreed a loan of £25,000 towards these costs with the repayments spread over five years.

For more information about Rookie Sports visit www.rookiesports.co.uk

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Get Hooked on Fishing

Get Hooked is a registered charity that combats anti-social behaviour in young people by getting them involved in angling.  Established in 2000, it was so successful in its first five years that the Durham-based scheme established a social enterprise, Get Hooked on Fishing North East Limited.  With support from TSELF, this sustainable business is ensuring the continuation of the charity’s vital work.

In its first five years, Get Hooked involved 806 young people - 425 were on final warnings or reprimand.  The scheme uses fun angling training to give participants more confidence, and show there are alternative opportunties available to them.  Since attending, there have been no reports of participants reoffending or being involved in anti-social behaviour, and a 75% reduction in their truancy from school.

In 2005, Get Hooked founder Mick Watson set up a social enterprise.  With a loan from TSELF for £75,000 and grants from other funding bodies, the new company acquired a site at Witton Park near Bishop Auckland.  The site lies next to a conservation area and has three fishing lakes, a purpose built training facility, café and tackle shop.  The centre provides recreational and educational activities to the surrounding urban and rural communities. 

Mick Watson said, “A friend told me about TSELF and their mission fits perfectly with ours.  We talked to the young people on the project and they were keen to get funding from TSELF, as the money would be recycled back into other community projects after we paid it back”.

For more information about Get Hooked on Fishing visit www.ghof.org.uk

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Bruvvers Theatre Company

Bruvvers Theatre Company has been taking theatre out to disadvantaged communities round the North East of England for 37 years. Primarily producing theatre for children, Bruvvers aim to provide an unpretentious and welcoming introduction to performance for young people who would otherwise be unable to access the arts. The company produce five shows per year, with more than half a million people in the region enjoying a Bruvvers show since their foundation.

Mike Mould, founder and Artistic Director of Bruvvers, had the dream of building a theatre for children in Newcastle upon Tyne, the first of its kind north of London. The Round, a £1m theatre-in-the-round, is the long-awaited result. Slotted into a derelict courtyard, the theatre has already won awards for its architectural design, its volunteer Board and its innovative programme of shows and outreach work. Fundraising from 2005 - 2007 produced 90% of the required capital and TSELF stepped in to assist with
 the final £100,000.

The process was quick and simple, with help always available. The complex deadlines laid down by other funders and the building contractor were met in every case, and the project was completed without a hitch thanks to TSELF. The venue is already thriving following its opening in September 2007, and the loan from TSELF has guaranteed security for this long-established company for many years to come.

For more information about Bruvvers Theatre Company visit www.bruvvers.co.uk

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