THE M&S COMMUNITY BUSINESS CHALLENGE
PLYMOUTH
#CBCHALLENGE PLYMOUTH
The winners
Five inspirational community businesses shortlisted for the Plymouth M&S Community Business Challenge were awarded with funds and business support at a showcase event in May 2019. Each organisation will receive M&S business skills support and up to £10,000 funding from Power to Change, to help develop their plans for making a difference in Plymouth.
Billy Ruffians
Billy Ruffians Brewing Company is a new community-owned brewery. By re-using waste products to brew beer and embracing low carbon methods and technologies, it aims to support community, cooperation and culture in Plymouth in a sustainable manner. Billy’s supports the long-term health of culture in the city by partnering with local independent music and arts venues.
Support from M&S volunteers will help develop the product brand and marketing strategy, build the customer base, and optimise the brewery’s supply chain. A grant from Power to Change will provide capital investment towards bottling equipment and EcoKegs so that Billy Ruffians can produce more great beer alongside creating social, environmental and economic impact.
The Furniture Reuse Project
Based in Stonehouse, the Furniture Reuse Project collects unwanted furniture and donates it to people who have to unexpectedly move home or have been homeless. As well as helping to alleviate the stress of furnishing a new place so that people can concentrate on making their new house or flat into a home, the Furniture Reuse Project offers an advice service and an open door for a coffee and a chat.
Support from M&S would help with marketing and digital media, and a grant from Power to Change would go towards visual merchandising, and outreach activities to benefit more people and charities in the local area.
Makers HQ
Makers HQ is a textiles sampling studio which helps designers draft patterns and manufacture product samples. Profits from the studio are reinvested into the provision of training and education programmes which help members of the local community gain skills and employment in the fashion and textiles sector.
M&S support and guidance will help upscale production capacity, and identify opportunities for working with more local businesses and residents. A grant from Power to Change will be used as investment in new industrial equipment, so that Makers HQ can support the growth of local textile and clothing businesses, and inspire more local people to embrace their creativity, regardless of previous skills or academic achievement.
Nudge Community Builders
Nudge was set up by local residents to bring empty buildings back into use in ways that create opportunities for local people to benefit from, and contribute to, community life. One of Nudge’s projects is The Clipper Market, an affordable, inclusive and friendly space for local people who are making or selling things to increase their offer and develop skills through volunteering, business start-up support and community events.
Support from M&S volunteers would help with business planning and income generation so that market space continues to be a busy and vibrant destination. Power to Change funding would be spent on improving the customer experience, through a stronger visible presence, outdoor seating and ensuring space is more welcoming for families.
St Saviours
St Saviours CIC supports cultural education, local events and volunteering opportunities within the space at St Saviours Church Hall on the Barbican. It provides space where local people can meet and host meetings, parties, exhibitions, workshops and other activities as well as explore and learn about the visual arts. St Saviours are currently working on ambitious plans to redevelop the space so that it can offer new cultural and educational opportunities to more local groups and community members.
M&S volunteers would help support facilities management, making the space safer and more accessible, while Power to Change funding would go towards improved signage and activities to raise the profile of the hall as a community facility.