Graham Collins (Barking and Dagenham CVS) speaks about the ripple centre and making the most out of community assets. This presentation was given at the Big Assist Conference. Find out about NCVO events: http://www.ncvo.org.uk

2.  …20 months of speed learning
 Office space for 10 organisations
 Hot desk space for 30 new start-ups
 Large hall with professional stage
 3 modern, flexible meeting rooms
 Bright & airy lounge areas to relax & network

3. 3 key considerations:
Cultural change
Reputational risk
Practical challenges
apart from the obvious ones…

4.  Bold with pricing
 Sent a clear ‘quality’ message to the market
 Consistent and transparent pricing
 Market aggressively and unapologetically
 Mixed use – community & private
 Invest in the spaces on offer

5.  New & improved services
 Wider geographical reach
 Access to new beneficiary groups
 New skills and expertise
 Stronger, united voice
 More integrated or coordinated approach

6.  Financial savings and better use of resources
 Independence
 Competitive advantage
 Reduced duplication of service delivery
 Greater capacity to replicate success
 Mutual support between local organisations

7.  Completed fit-out & enhanced space
 Established a thriving weekend market
 Hosted the London Ambassadors
 90% of serviced office rented
 All tenants have seen increased footfall

8.  Building spec. – never perfect, hindsight…
 Facilities management is time-consuming
 Maintaining a community spirit is key
 Volunteers can be a huge asset
 Creating ‘ownership’ by the local community
 CVS as landlord – necessity to be firm

9.  Growing current market & creating new ones
 Offer diverse packages to suit all occasions
 Include & nurture the local community
 Keeping the Centre dynamic & relevant
 Our new ‘landlord’ role & relationship w. VCS

10. Graham Collins
Community Development Manager
020 8532 7310
graham.collins@bdcvs.org.uk