Ethos public relations Manchester

New clubhouse for Crowborough Rugby Football Club nears completion thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

A brand new clubhouse for one of the most successful rugby football clubs in East Sussex is near completion thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

The clubhouse for Crowborough Rugby Football Club (CRFC), at Steel Cross has been years in the pipeline - and thanks to a £150,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) and support from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Wealden District Council as well as the club’s sponsors and patrons - work is nearing completion.

Richard Lambert, Finance Director at CRFC, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new clubhouse.

“We really are a community club and now thanks to the funding we received from TSELF, our clubhouse, which has been described as one of the nicest in Sussex, will provide facilities for the entire community.”

The new building replaces the old structure built 48 years ago, and is set to become a real community asset. As well as being home to members and supporters of the rugby club, local residents, clubs and societies will be able to hire out the new large clubroom.

“We have already had enquiries from dance and exercise classes, nurseries and play groups about hiring the clubhouse,” Richard said.

Set up 75 years ago, CRFC is continuing to go from strength to strength with four senior teams, over 300 minis and juniors, a membership base of over 1,000 from across Kent and Sussex and now boasts a brand new clubhouse with superb facilities.

Sarah-Jane Davis, South East Regional Director at TSELF, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to help Crowborough Rugby Football Club in this way.

“Working closely with the CRFC Board and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the project has been managed in a very professional manner from start to finish and it has all gone very much to plan.

“We are pleased to have been able to help Crowborough with their clubhouse which is set to become a focal point for the community.”

The new clubhouse will officially open around Easter 2012.

“We are here to help,” Sarah-Jane says. “So we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”

To find out more about TSELF in the South East, please visit the website www.tself.org.uk or call 0845 017 9613.

For more information about CRFC call 01892 654832 or visit the website www.crowboroughrugby.com.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

North West Social Enterprises set to benefit from ERDF grant

by Ethos public relations

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) wants to hear from North West social enterprises with innovative business ideas after being awarded money by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The ERDF funding will enable TSELF to provide loans of up to £50,000 for social enterprises across the region as part of the Government’s ‘Solutions for Business’ scheme. In addition, TSELF can accommodate applications up to £250,000 for the right proposal, meeting the difference from its own funds.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Vice Chair of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Monitoring Committee, said: “The Social Enterprise Loan Fund has the potential to make a huge difference to businesses unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.

"With a particular focus on supporting businesses operating in disadvantaged areas, this fund can provide a major boost to localities, communities and people who need it the most by safeguarding jobs and creating employment opportunities.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “The work of social enterprises is invaluable. There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we want to see grow. The grant from the ERDF is a great boost, and we are looking forward to working with more social enterprises and charities across the region.

“We are particularly keen to hear from social enterprises that are exploiting innovation and knowledge. We have the funds available to support eligible social enterprises with innovative business ideas which can be translated into economically valuable products and processes, generating turnover, market share and new employment opportunities.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity which has, to date, invested £8 million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

TSELF has until March 2013, to lend the money from the ERDF grant, to social enterprises across the region.

For further information and to find out more about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Unique loan puts Cumbrian outdoor learning centre in field of its own

by Ethos public relations

An outdoor learning social enterprise in Cumbria is now helping even more people of all ages and abilities get closer to nature thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

Learning Fields CIC, in Appleby, recently received a £30,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which supplemented support from Natural England and Cumbria County Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, to enable the organisation to establish its residential facilities.

Set up in 2007, Learning Fields Community Interest Company (CIC) is based at Nag's Head Farm in Hoff. Spanning ten hectares of grassland and woodland, the centre provides an opportunity for individuals or groups to observe and enjoy the countryside in a safe environment, with facilities including a sensory area, nature ponds, kitchen garden and woodland activities.

Founder Director of Learning Fields, Alex Chalmers, said: “We are delighted to have received such invaluable support from TSELF, which has really helped us to create our visitors’ accommodation.

“The loan has enabled us to build a brand new kitchen and dining area, bunk room for up to 12 people, a bedroom for teachers or carers, a shower, toilets and a classroom which we can also now use for general meetings.

“All the renovations have been carried out to the highest standards and they are all easy to access and easy to use for less able visitors.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “Working closely with local schools and disability charities to both educate and entertain, Learning Fields offers a fantastic service to many people in the area and we are pleased to be able to assist in this way.

“The new accommodation provides superb facilities for visitors of all ages, teachers, carers and families, and enables Learning Fields to welcome even more people to the unique outdoor learning centre, especially those from further afield.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity providing loans ranging from £3,000 to £250,000 to social enterprises and charities and has, to date, invested £8 million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places. And now, thanks to financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TSELF can provide funding to even more social enterprises across the region.

“We are here to help,” Roy says. “So we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us. With the recently acquired grant that we’ve received from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) we are looking to invest in social enterprises who are looking to grow and employ new people or who wish to exploit innovation and knowledge in their expansion plans.”

To find out more about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261 019. For more information about Learning Fields call 01768 353 860 or visit http://learningfields.co.uk.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Unique funding boosts Greater Manchester social enterprise network

by Ethos public relations

Together Works, the social enterprise network for Greater Manchester, is promoting social enterprise as a business model to more start-ups and providing increased business support services to social enterprises across the region, thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £50,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) will help Together Works Community Interest Company manage cashflow and operate efficiently, delivering effective services to and with the social enterprise sector.

Paul Halfpenny, one of the Directors of Together Works, said: “Together Works is delighted to be working with the Social Enterprise Loan Fund.

“Having to cashflow all of our activities for the past few months has been difficult. However, now thanks to our loan from TSELF, we have been able to focus on our business aims rather than having to spend a lot of time and energy trying to wrestle our cashflow.”

Together Works promotes social enterprise as a business model across the region and works to develop a strong, independent and cohesive social economy in Greater Manchester that delivers outstanding financial, social and environmental benefits to communities.

Paul added: “We are truly grateful for the superb support we have received from TSELF.

“Our aim is to maximise access for new and established social enterprises to high quality, affordable support services and thanks to the funding from TSELF, we are able to do just that!”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Together Works in this way. The organisation offers something very important to the Greater Manchester region and we are thrilled to have been able to provide this loan.

“TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £3,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Together Works, visit www.togetherworks.org.uk or call 0161 273 3237.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Social enterprise network benefits from unique loan fund

by Ethos public relations

Liverpool city centre based Social Enterprise North West Ltd (SENW), which represents social enterprises across the region, is to benefit from a unique loan fund.

The organisation on Dale Street in the centre of Liverpool, which was set up in 2007, has received a loan of £50,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) - a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and registered charity which aims to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

SENW works to help raise the profile of social enterprises in the North West, by providing connected, coherent support and networking opportunities for social enterprises across the region. And now, thanks to the recently awarded loan from TSELF, the organisation will be able to honour contracts with the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and continue its work.

Val Jones, Chief Executive of SENW, said: “It is fantastic to see the social enterprise sector in this region going from strength to strength and the loan from TSELF will enable us to support this development even further.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director, at TSELF said: “There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we are committed to helping to grow and I am delighted that we are able to help SENW in this way.

“Our organisation provides an important function for social enterprises across the region and this additional funding will help SENW continue its excellent work.

“TSELF provides loans ranging from £3,000 to £250,000 to social enterprises and charities that have been unable to access a loan from traditional sources. “We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”

TSELF North West has received valued funding support from the NWDA.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

To find out more about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261 019.

For more information about Social Enterprise North West Ltd call 0151 237 3986 or visit www.senw.org.uk.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Sunderland’s newest youth centre opens its doors thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

It has been a great start to the New Year for young people across Sunderland, after new members youth club, Mission 12-17, officially opened its doors.

The under 18’s club, located at 255/256 High Street West in the city centre, launched thanks to a recently awarded loan of £20,500 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which supplemented grants from Big Lottery, Gentoo (Social Housing), Sunderland Council and contributions from the organisations’ director.

The members-only club, which is made up of a sports/chill out area and a dance club, aims to provide a safe social environment for young people from across the city and help teach its young members key social skills, self-esteem and self confidence as well as respect for others.

Diane Richardson, Director of Mission 12-17, said: “We are delighted we have been able to open the centre and we thank Councillor Deny Wilson for his continued support. A lot of hard work has gone into this project, and we are thrilled that so many people came along to see what the new club is all about!

“We now look forward to welcoming youngsters from across Sunderland to the centre.”

The club will operate on two levels: one level will be a general chill-out area with sky sports, music, pool tables and arcade games; and the second level will be open at least four nights a week, with resident DJ, live bands and X Factor style competitions and will cater for all young people who enjoy different types of music. Soft drinks and hot and cold food will also be available.

The youth centre will also introduce a regular drop-in service by organisations such as Youth Drug Alcohol Project, the Sunderland NHS sexual health SHOWT team, Connexions and community police so that young people feel comfortable approaching these services.

Diane Richardson added: “We are truly grateful for the superb support we have received from TSELF, which will really help with the running costs of the centre.

“Our aim is to get young people off the streets into a safe environment whilst tackling issues of binge drinking, anti-social behaviour and drug misuse, and thanks to the funding from TSELF, we are able to do just that!”

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Mission 12-17 in this way. The fantastic new youth club will provide invaluable facilities and amazing services for many young people across Sunderland.

“TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us."

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Equality North East to help more employers and individuals achieve the ‘Equality Standard’ thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

Equality North East, a not-for-profit social enterprise in Gateshead, is managing to safeguard jobs and is set to provide equality workshops for small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s), thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £60,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) will enable Equality North East to continue its work across the region, helping to remove barriers faced by minority and disadvantaged groups in terms of employment and entry into employment.

Liz Reay, Chief Executive of Equality North East, said: "We deliver projects and activities which support employers and individuals with their equality needs, and the loan from TSELF will enable us to continue this work across the region.

"The loan will assist with the work we are doing around our newly developed 'Equality Standard'- a practical tool that helps employers to plan and promote good equality practice in their organisations, ensuring they comply with the new 'Equality Act' legislation.

Liz added: "We believe that we have an excellent product in the 'Equality Standard'. And the loan from TSELF will help safeguard the jobs of the people working on it and pay for publicity and marketing so that the 'Equality Standard' can reach its business potential, whilst helping employers in the Third and private sectors implement the policies and procedures that will help with the recruitment and retention of people from diverse groups."

The loan will also allow the company to deliver the standard in a more innovative way so that SME’s and Third Sector organisations can work towards achieving the standard through the more affordable method of group sessions.

Equality North East, set up over ten years ago, provides key information, advice and guidance (IAG), training, consultancy, networking and events focused on Equality, and has become an important regional resource and the leading body for equality information and support for individuals and organisations in all sectors.

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: "Equality North East is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help many people in the area, so we are thrilled to be able to assist with funding.

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us."

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Equality North East, visit www.equality-ne.co.uk or call 0191 495 6262.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Smart Kids expansion plans given green light thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

A unique Fulwood-based childcare Social Enterprise which is run for the good of the community will soon be expanding, taking in additional children and employing more staff, thanks to a six figure loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

Smart Kids Childcare has been awarded a loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which will enable the organisation to refurbish a newly acquired building at former Sharoe Green Hospital in Fulwood, in order to provide vital childcare facilities for working parents, single parents and those attending higher education who require full or part-time care for their children in the local community.

Smart Kids Childcare, recently marked as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, was established in 1975 as a pre-school nursery operating as a charitable trust to provide care and education for children between the ages of two and eight, and currently employs six members of staff who are fully qualified and Criminal Records Bureau checked.

The move to the new premises will enable Smart Kids to employ additional staff to look after an increased number of children, as the refurbishment means the organisation will now be able to provide excellent nursery facilities for 105 children.

Lynda Hayes, Director and Practice Manager at Smart Kids, said: “When we moved out of our former home, we were looking for somewhere that we could move to in order to fully expand the business.

“After initially struggling to find a suitable location, it was great to find such a fantastic site and the loan from TSELF has been invaluable as it now means we can fully refurbish the new property to a very high standard.

“We are truly grateful for the superb support we have received from TSELF, and we are very much looking forward to completing all the work on the building and continuing to offer outstanding childcare services to even more busy parents.”

Roy White, regional director for TSELF, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Smart Kids in this way. No other childcare provider in the area offers the full range of services and varied flexible sessions – including a baby unit, nursery, before and after school and holiday care – that Smart Kids will now be able to offer.”

Smart Kids Childcare, which looks after children from the hours of 7.30am – 6pm, plans to move into its new premises in November.

TSELF is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity providing loans ranging from £3,000 to £250,000 to social enterprises and charities and has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Smart Kids Childcare please call 07940 891622.

For more details about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

Unique fund is music to the ears in Hexham

by Ethos public relations

A Hexham community music business which creates a space for people of all ages and abilities to create, play, learn, record and buy music has received a second loan payment from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) to continue its work.

Core Music, which develops people’s music knowledge and skills – including those with physical and learning disabilities - has received an additional £10,000 on top of £20,000 it received in December 2008.

The Community Interest Company will use the money to purchase new and improved stock which will help them to continue organising and running music lessons, workshops, events, demonstrations and master classes.

Director of Core Music, Mike Coleman, said: “TSELF previously provided us with a loan so that we could purchase start up stock for a new retail outlet. That loan was invaluable to us and this second one will be just as well received and used to help us help more people. The money will go towards new quality stock which will further increase the enjoyment of everyone who comes to Core Music.”

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Core Music CIC. We have seen how the first loan helped them grow and provide a great opportunity to the community in Hexham and beyond - including those who may have been otherwise excluded. We hope this second loan helps them just as much.”

TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000 and would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans to contact them.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about CORE Music visit www.coremusic.co.uk or call 01434 601993.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Grass is greener for Horticultural Acumen thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

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 a unique loan fund.

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."

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us."

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

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

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Loan helps Adapt (North East) get motoring

by Ethos public relations

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 The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (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.”

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

The first loan received from TSELF enabled Adapt (North East) to upgrade an ageing fleet of vehicles which needed constant repair and servicing.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Commonwheels car club shifts gear with cash boost

by Ethos public relations

Commonwheels, a not-for-profit car club, is giving drivers a boost and the chance to save hundreds of pounds a year following a second loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

Offering a national pay-as-you-drive service, Commonwheels, which has received a £25,000 loan from TSELF, will give motorists the opportunity to hire vehicles around the clock providing a great alternative to owning a car. With car hire parking bays located in various cities, the loan will help Commonwheels deliver a seven year partnership with Newcastle City Council that could result in a reduction of car ownership and congestion in the city centre.

Rod Jones, Regional Director for TSELF, said: “Being familiar with the work and ethics of Commonwheels, we are proud to have assisted in the firm’s expansion to Newcastle.

“With parking bays already located across Britain, we are glad to have helped this enterprise which offers an unbeatable car hire service for drivers who, for a variety of reasons be it ethical, environmental, financial or other, want to stay on the road at a manageable rate.”

Commonwheels Founder and Director Paul Balmont, said: “The service we provide is a great alternative for drivers who may not be in a position to purchase their own car, or perhaps owning a car would not be in their best interest if used infrequently.

Rod Jones added: “If you think about how many cars sit idly in parking bays in front of houses and places of work, a car club initiative such as this is definitely the way forward.”

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Commonwheels visit www.commonwheels.org.uk or call 0845 602 8030.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

The Five Lamps Organisation to help even more people thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

The Five Lamps Organisation in Thornaby on Teesside, will soon be able to help thousands more people thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £30,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (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.”

Social enterprise organisations throughout the UK are bucking the trend and thriving in the difficult economic climate and the Social Enterprise Movement as a whole, is now made up of tens of thousands of organisations and accounts for more than one per cent of the UK’s total economy.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

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

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF helps local award-winning production company step up a gear

by Ethos public relations

First Take Video Ltd, an award-winning independent production and training organisation in Liverpool's arts quarter, will soon be competing at the highest level using state-of-the-art equipment thanks to funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

A recently awarded loan of £37,500 from TSELF will enable the innovative organisation, which specialises in working with and promoting diverse communities, creating ground-breaking films and programmes, to invest in much-needed new equipment.

First Take, which is recognised as one of the key media organisations in Liverpool, will invest in new state-of-the-art equipment, essential for the production company to continue to undertake high level productions, training, talent development work as well as work within new media.

Thanks to a recently awarded grant of £500,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TSELF can provide Small Loans for Social Enterprise awards up to £50,000 to help even more organisations like First Take in the North West region.

The work of First Take, which is supported by Liverpool Culture Company, contributes greatly to the cultural status of the city, and the organisation has won several awards for its programmes including its work with Barnardo's Young Carers and North West Disability Arts Forum.

Lynne Harwood, one of the directors of First Take, said: "The loan will help us to develop both the production and training sides of our business. On the production side, we are planning to move into features next year, and our talent development programmes for people who are under represented in the film industry will also benefit immensely as it will also allow us to develop training in new and emerging technologies."

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: "There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we are committed to helping to grow.

"First Take Video offers something unique, working with diverse communities tackling cutting edge issues, and we are thrilled to be able to help such a creative organisation in this way.

"The grant from the NWDA and the ERDF is a great boost, and we are now looking forward to working with more social enterprises, charities and small businesses across the region that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources."

Roy White added: "The work of social enterprises is invaluable and we are keen to hear from such organisations which need to secure additional funding.

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £3,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us immediately."

TSELF is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For more details about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

Social Enterprises to benefit from NWDA grant of £500,000

by Ethos public relations

A unique loan fund is set to help even more social enterprises in the region, thanks to a recently awarded grant of £500,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

And now, with the newly awarded funding from the NWDA (£250,000) and ERDF (£250,000), TSELF will provide Small Loans for Social Enterprise awards up to £50,000 to help even more organisations in the North West.

Small Loans for Business, is part of Solutions for Business, the Government?s package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, managing body of the Northwest ERDF programme, said: "The Small Loans for Business scheme is designed to help Northwest business owners, entrepreneurs, charities and social enterprises start up and expand their businesses.

"Over the past two years, the fund has provided small loans to new and growing businesses and social enterprises making it easier for more people to access finance, start up and grow their own enterprises in the region. This type of funding has been vital for some small businesses and social enterprises over the past year with the challenging economic conditions making it difficult for enterprises to access finance from traditional commercial sources."

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: "There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we are committed to helping to grow. The grant from the NWDA and the ERDF is a great boost, and we are now looking forward to working with more social enterprises, charities and small businesses across the region that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources."

One organisation to have recently benefited from help from TSELF in the North West is Charitable Trust, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes.

With four award-winning galleries, Catalyst offers a range of lessons and interactive shows, and with a recently awarded loan of £50,000 from TSELF, will now be able to employ a full-time Marketing Manager, to ensure the organisation is actively promoted both across the region and nationally.

Roy White added: "The work of social enterprises is invaluable and we are keen to hear from such organisations which need to secure additional funding.

For more details about TSELF in the north west visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

TSELF helps innovative Nottingham social enterprise win awards

by Ethos public relations

Despite the continuing global recession, and small businesses reporting difficulties getting loans from the banks, one innovative Nottingham firm - Wheelbase - is going from strength to strength and winning national awards, thanks to funding from a unique loan fund.

Launched in 1991 in Denman Street East, Radford, Wheelbase works with young people between 14 - 25 and provides accredited qualifications in motor vehicle and key skills alongside a Life and Social Skills Programme. Recently it has been awarded two National Training Awards (NTA) - the most prestigious awards for training in the UK.

A loan of £150,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) enabled Wheelbase to move to new premises in Newark Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, helping to increase its ability to support greater numbers of students in the area.

Mick Clifford, CEO of Wheelbase, said they were delighted to win the two awards at a recent ceremony at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. "This is just fantastic. Wheelbase has an innovative view of how to change the lives of young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the awards recognise that.

"With this recognition and the support from TSELF, I know we will be able to help more young people who will benefit profoundly for being helped with life, education and real work skills," he said.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive at TSELF, said: "Wheelbase is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help disadvantaged children and young people in the area and we are pleased to have been able to assist with funding.

"We are committed to helping social enterprises during these difficult times and would encourage any local social business to get in touch if they have funding needs at present."

For further details visit the website www.wheelbase.org.uk.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Celebrate UK success on Social Enterprise Day and get involved!

by Ethos public relations

With increasing numbers of social enterprise organisations throughout the UK bucking the trend and thriving in the difficult economic climate, National Social Enterprise Day on Thursday 19 November, will celebrate the success of social enterprises everywhere.

One unique loan fund which will be celebrating Social Enterprise Day and encouraging more people to get involved, is The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which has, to date, invested £7million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places and has funds available now to help even more organisations.

TSELF is a Community Development Finance Institution and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

One social enterprise which has recently benefitted from TSELF funding is Children?s Activity Centre, Funky World in Hartlepool, Teesside, which is now helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the area.

A loan of £116,500 from TSELF enabled Funky World to purchase premises and design a new centre - the only one of its kind in the area - to provide learning and play opportunities for disadvantaged youngsters, their carers and families. Now TSELF is looking for local social enterprises that could also benefit.

Mike Baker, Chief Executive at TSELF, said: "We are committed to helping social enterprises, and are keen to assist more charities, small businesses and social enterprises that are unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.

"Social Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity for individual social enterprises to engage with their local communities and a way for us all to raise awareness of social enterprise.

"We provide loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000, so we would like to encourage any social business to get in touch if they have funding needs at present."

The Social Enterprise Movement, now made up of tens of thousands of organisations, accounts for more than one per cent of the UK's total economy and Social Enterprise Day will not only help to raise awareness of the invaluable work social enterprises are doing, but will also encourage more people to get involved and to use enterprising ideas for social and environmental change.

For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF to the rescue for Hartlepool's disadvantaged youngsters

by Ethos public relations

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. For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Car club hits the road thanks to TSELF

by Ethos public relations

Option C is an innovative North East car club which is really going places with the help of funding from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF). Originally established in Durham, a £45,000 loan from TSELF is helping the business expand into Newcastle.

"Option C 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."

Many of us need a car from time to time in our daily lives, but is it always necessary?
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 Option C 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 Option C knew of TSELF and when Paul contacted them they were happy to help. Now, three years on, another loan from TSELF is allowing Option C 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."

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

Option C 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'. Anyone can join online or over the phone and cars can be booked with as little as one minute's notice (subject to availability). There is no membership fee, only a one-off £25 joining fee, plus hourly rate and mileage fee per trip.

As a Community Interest Company, Option C's 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 Option C develops.

Rod Jones, regional director of TSELF, says: "Option C provides a radical new alternative to the traditional concept of everyone owning their own car. A car club provides access to a vehicle when you need it, but also helps make people think more carefully about their car usage, which is good news for the environment. Option C is leading the way for car clubs in the North East and TSELF is delighted to be able to help them develop their ground-breaking solution."

For more information about Option C, visit www.optionc.co.uk, call 0845 602 8030 or email info@optionc.co.uk. For more details about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

TSELF bridges the finance gap for The Sustainability Centre

by Ethos public relations

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) stepped in to help The Sustainability Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire, with a £36,000 bridging loan while they waited for grants for a new solar panel installation to come through.

When The Sustainability Centre secured Lottery and Low Carbon Buildings Fund money to install solar panels, they encountered a common problem with grant funding. The grants would only be paid after the work had been done and the charity would have to pay for the work up front. As a result, they needed to access finance to tide them over until the grants arrived. When their bank turned them down, they contacted TSELF who saved the day.

Earthworks Trust is a registered charity, established in 1995, which runs The Sustainability Centre near the village of East Meon, high up on the South Downs in Hampshire. The Centre was established to demonstrate and promote knowledge, skills and technologies that improve the quality of life without damaging the environment.

Although The Sustainability Centre previously had solar water heating and photovoltaic panels, they were not very efficient. The new installation is much larger, more technologically advanced and much more effective, positioned as it is on the roof and a south facing wall. The new solar panels will help to reduce the Centre's electricity bills by up to 30%.

"We're thankful that TSELF was able to help out," says Nigel Cartwright of The Sustainability Centre. "Access to loan funding isn't easy to come by at the moment, as we found out when we approached our bank for help. The loan from TSELF has enabled us to bridge the gap until the grants come through and we appreciate the support we have received."

"We were happy to help out The Sustainability Centre," says TSELF's Regional Director
SJ Davis. "They do a fantastic job educating people about the environment, ecology and sustainability, and the new solar installation will have a huge impact on reducing both their fuel costs and carbon footprint. Getting grant funding is good news, but when it is paid retrospectively, you need to find up front finance too, and that?s where TSELF stepped in."

The Sustainability Centre runs a very successful education programme, as well as offering programmes aimed at the unemployed and the disabled. The Centre also has a highly successful woodland burial site, eco-hostel and campsite.

To find out more about Earthworks Trust and The Sustainability Centre visit www.sustainability-centre.org.

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