History
Create was formerly known as The Suffolk Scrap Store, and has been in operation for approximately 9 years. It began with a good deal of enthusiasm as an extension of the Social Care Department’s Day Care Services, with some external European funding, and a partner in the Scrap Store Trust (a small group centred in one of the service-user’s family).
In 2007 a re-launch was prepared under the aegis of a newly formed division within the Suffolk County Council Adult and Community Services known as “Employment and Economic Wellbeing” (EEW).
This EEW group incorporated the Scrap Store into a group of enterprises already working towards transformation into one or more Social Enterprises. These enterprises promote employment rights for people with Learning Disabilities (LD), nationally through the government paper “Valuing People”, the desire of the government to reduce benefit claims, and through work programmes within the European Union, using the development of Social Enterprise as a vehicle to deliver appropriate and realistic work opportunities.
Products and Services
Main activities within the enterprise are:
1. The low cost collection and re-distribution of items, mainly from commercial services to customers, such as children’s services and schools, art, craft and theatre groups and other (usually) voluntary community groups. The store is open to the public, members or non-members.
2. There is a small amount of re-cycling work i.e. drinks cans and printer/toner cartridges. Most of the materials used are from unused stocks and supplies that would otherwise go to landfill.
3. A fabric printing service known as “Impact Enterprises U.K.” prints designs and T-shirts, hats, caps and other clothing as well as on plastic material such as car stickers, umbrellas and badges.
4. Bee Willey, a children’s book illustrator has been working with us to develop a range of craft kits suitable for both children and adults. As part of this she is researching the market and from April 2009, these are being piloted in retailers in Ipswich and Norwich, as well as the Scrap Store on-line shop and another on-line shop, based in Bury St. Edmunds, but with an international market.
5. The sale of commercial goods that have an online market.
6. The online shop currently has over 300 different items available for re-use, with more being added regularly.
Investments
During 2008/9, we have invested considerably in the Scrap Store by-
1) Increasing staffing levels
2) Re-vamping the warehouse to improve safety measures, and make goods presentable and more easily available.
3) Team development with away-days with a team work consultant
4) A marketing project triggered by the offer of a Business Link East grant but mainly funded via our budget, which includes market research and branding of kits, a re-branding of the Scrap Store as a whole.
5) Developing an advisory body, to incorporate business people re-cycling agencies, customer groups and other stakeholders
6) The web-based sales programme has been developing gradually through the year. New customers are joining regularly, including schools that had not renewed their memberships in recent years. Adjustments to the site are continuing.
Customers
Most customers are currently Suffolk-based. Traditionally,half the customers have been schools or school-based services. Other customers include theatres, festivals and art groups who require large sizes and volumes of materials. Many customers use the one-stop-shop to purchase art materials and equipment.
Since the launch of the new Create Kits, Create is increasing its customer base to businesses and individuals across East Anglia. All profits from Kit sales will be re-invested to provide work opportunities for disadvantaged people with the Create Enterprise.
