It is not all doom gloom and snow drifts

Here are the headlines:

• Despite the economic troubles all six beneficiaries are making progress
• They pay tribute to the benefits of mentoring support
• Total revenue generated is now more than five times the initial grant
• The businesses other than construction continue to grow strongly
• Our window cleaner is now working with rock stars
• None have reoffended. 

Background

The project was reported in detail in a previous TLJ occasional paper.

[ http://www.thelearningjourney.co.uk/enterpriseday13march08 ]

Value generated

A total revenue of £53,540 has been reported over the first nine months from a grant of £10,000 given by the Government Office for London.    The income of the two construction businesses in the project continues a downward trend. 

Collectively the other businesses (in removals, graphic design and fitness training) reported revenue up by 19% on the previous quarter, from £11,350 to £13,490.  This is despite the economic downturn.

What has gone well?

The window cleaner has moved on.  He met a famous rock musician whilst cleaning his windows.  This presented an opportunity.  He is now a freelance stage technician touring in Europe with a very big band.   He is doing so well that he is finding time to support projects in West London helping young musicians.  He expressed gratitude to the ex-offender enterprise project because it has led him to this new success.

Others report progress with their original business plans.  Here are some quotes:

• All has gone well. I have been busy producing decorative panels and designing publications for an organisation in London. I have also entered paintings in exhibitions and made sales. I have expanded the business
  

• I have started teaching Boxercise classes as my one to one tuition proved very successful.  This has attracted more new clients for me.   I am very happy with my increased client base and as a consequence, my finances.
  

• My main client is relying on me much more and is regularly seeking my opinion regarding other areas of his work.   I am gaining more trust and responsibility and have been promised increased work in the near future.
  
• I am pleased to have a regular income and feel stable within my working environment.  I am increasing the speed in which I am able to carry out my work whist not compromising the standard of my workmanship.
  
• Startup has assisted me in obtaining my own flat which I have recently moved into.  I hope that having a permanent base will enable me to gain a local reputation for my work.   I have been fortunate to have undertaken a few jobs which I have gained through recommendation.

What needs improving?

The two businesses started in the construction industry are suffering.  One reports:

Due to the current economic situation, work for builders has been limited.  The majority of my work was reliant on certain builders using me for bricklaying, plastering and tiling and unfortunately they have had very few contracts.  I am contacting more local builders to increase my chances of work.

The other has found a successful response in full time employment with a larger company.  He says:

I will continue to take on private work in my spare time and build up my contacts within the building trade in readiness for my move into self employment in the future.

None of the other businesses specifically reported trading difficulties.  However one is going to need more capital soon:

Without doubt, my van will need to be replaced this year for two reasons:  1- it’s starting to develop some faults due to it’s’ age and 2- there will be new legislation coming into effect in 2010, which my van will not be able to meet.

Conclusions

The conclusions are similar to the last report.  Progress is mixed but predominantly the picture remains positive despite the economic downturn.

The building industry is a tough market at the moment.  One of our beneficiaries, who stated a building business, has moved into full time employment.  He is happy with this.  He is continuing some private work in the hope of returning to self-employment in the future.  The other construction start-up continues to face an uncertain market   But he has strengthen his position by finding permanent housing. 

We have lost the window clearer, but who can blame him?  We should count his change of direction as a success for the project. 

Out of the original six start-ups four remain.  However, all of the six people report positive experiences.  Three of the reports again specifically cited the input of the mentors as an important support and benefit.

The tone of the reports remains resilient and positive.  These people and others like them continue to follow pathways towards hopefully stable and successful futures.

If you need the services of a builder, fitness instructor, graphic designer or removal company then help the fight against re-offending by using these companies.  There are some eighty other businesses run by ex-offenders that we can reach.  They range from gardeners to a Buddy Holly tribute band.  Whatever you need, contact us at ask@thelearningjourney.co.uk and we will pass the request along.