How we made it: how Creating Enterprise is boosting local employment
The NatWest SE100 Awards last year went to seven of the UK’s most innovative pioneers in the social enterprise space. But what's the story behind their successes? In our 'How we made it' film series, we explore the journey of each winner – and discover just how they have made it to the top of their game.
A spike in unemployment is likely to be among the ripple effects of Covid-19. But many people were struggling to find work long before the global pandemic struck.
In north Wales, Creating Enterprise found that 59% of social housing tenants faced difficulties in finding and retaining long-term employment. The social enterprise was set up to tackle this, by helping social housing tenants and other local people to find jobs, training and volunteering opportunities. And over the last four years, the organisation has grown exponentially – from £500,000 turnover to more than £10m, with a five-year business plan that has identified £57m worth of new contracts.
In the last few months, while the UK has been in lockdown, Creating Enterprise has moved its job support services online, continuing to support local people with their job search as well as providing free training courses. It has also accessed funding from the National Lottery and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), which has allowed the organisation to hire new staff to continue its work with the local community.
WATCH ABOVE to hear Neil's story, and to see how Creating Enterprise instils confidence and builds skills needed for employment.
Producer: Sasha Gallick, videographer: David Pardoe.
