Helping our communities thrive
Some 100,000 social enterprises operate across the UK, and there are around 200 in Plymouth alone, working across a wide range of sectors such as education, health, arts, environment, food and social care.
That number is growing all the time and collectively these businesses employ around 9,000 people, bringing in an income of more than £580 million to the local economy.
Our Business Heroes programme gives Devon & Plymouth Chamber members the opportunity to connect with some of these exciting social enterprises. This exciting scheme has been created with the help of the expert team at Plymouth Social Enterprise Network.
If you could like to become a Business Hero, please click the link below.
Picture: Nudge Community/Dom Moore
Our first Business Hero: Frazer-Nash Consultancy
Our first Business Hero is Frazer-Nash Consultancy, who have funded 10 memberships for charities and social enterprises. These organisations will now be able to access the full range of Chamber services, meaning they have a huge advantage and the opportunity to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Frazer-Nash helps organisations deliver innovative systems, engineering and technology solutions to make lives safe, secure, sustainable, and affordable.
They have some of engineering’s most talented people, doing what they love the most – solving your problems and adding real value. They can help you achieve your goals, as they excel in solving complex problems – the ones that require the right combination of intellect, experience and innovation.
Frazer Nash has worked with the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network to support 10 social enterprises, who are listed below.
ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTED
Pollenize CIC
Pollenize are thrilled to have been selected by Frazer-Nash for this sponsorship and we’re excited for the opportunities it will present for our small social enterprise.
There are so many great initiatives in our city, so it means the world to us knowing that our work within the local community to combat pollinator decline is being recognised and supported with such generosity!
Simply Counselling
Simply Counselling is a Community Interest Company established in 2006 to offer affordable quality counselling for everyone living and working in Plymouth and its surrounds.
Starting in the police cells in Devonport Guildhall, it now has more than 30 counsellors and is based in premises in Stoke Village.
Bikespace
Bikespace supports young people in education with vocational training. They learn how to refurbish bicycles for the community and gain valuable experience to help them into further education and employment.
Bikespace Cargo is your partner for urban logistics. It supplies, service and loan modern electric assist cargo bikes to provide cost-effective, reliable, efficient and low-impact delivery solutions for your business.
Farleys Food Co-operative
Farleys Food Co-op is a grocery store run by its members. And its members are also the owners.
The vision is to see a Plymouth that has a food co-op or similar in every local community – providing access to fresh and mostly sustainable produce. Working towards a physically and mentally healthy society is the end goal.
It's All About You Wellbeing
It’s All About You Wellbeing was established in 2008 by Max Cohen to enable people in Devon and Cornwall to find LGBTQ+ -affirmative counsellors and other wellbeing practitioners.
Max says: “We are very excited to be given this opportunity by Frazer-Nash to become a member of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. The sponsorship will enable us to highlight the issues affecting the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in the South West, whilst also celebrating the positives.”
Nudge Builders
Nudge Community Builders was set up in 2017 by local people living in Stonehouse, Plymouth.
After volunteering in the community for over 10 years, the team kick-started the Union Street Party, created Union Corner and were inspired and asked by our community to do more. Their vision is to make Union Street a street the whole world loves.
Diversity Business Incubator (DBI)
The Diversity Business Incubator is a Business Hub for Minority Ethnicity entrepreneurs.
Our community is anchored by our faith and helping one and all. The DBI can assist you more than ever with business advice, finding grant money for start-ups or already existing businesses, especially as we move into the ‘new normal’.
The Data Place
The Data Place is a social enterprise made up of data scientists, designers, community builders and strategists helping people and places thrive.
The team applied for and received the Social Enterprise Mark in early 2020, in recognition of their focus on generating positive social and environmental impacts, particularly with data.
Fotonow
Fotonow delivers transformative media projects across the South West. Its work supports individuals to develop confidence and find discover new pathways.
By working closely with communities, Fotonow empowers them to tell their own stories. Its annual social impact reports detail the difference it makes.
Devon Environment Foundation
Given the scale of the climate and nature emergencies, Devon Environment Foundation’s ambition is to protect and restore at least 30% of Devon’s land and water by 2030.
The team will work with local partners to implement bold nature regeneration projects that can be replicated and scaled to leave a positive legacy for future generations.
