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Nudge Community Builders
Annual Report 2018
www.nudge.community
@nudgecommunity
Nudge Community Builders is a Community Benefit Society registered under the
Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 Registration number 7632
Welcome!
This is our first official annual report for Nudge and we are excited to share what we have
been doing over the last year with you.
We hope you find it useful, interesting and informative. In the report we have…
A message from the Chair of our board. Our board have worked really hard over
the last year to help Nudge get off to a strong start, and with 100% of the board living
or working within a mile they bring a wealth of local knowledge making sure our
community comes first.
We remind everyone why Nudge was set up and give a bit of background about the
organisation followed by just a few of our 2018 highlights.
We take a moment to recognise and thank the funders, investors and supporters
that have helped us on our way this year.
A look at what difference we have made to our community by changing buildings,
spaces, spending our money carefully, creating opportunities for local people and
listening to our community.
A summary of the wide range of ways we are starting to trade. We are a community
business so all the money we make is used to make more of a difference on Union
Street.
A quick look at our finances – what’s coming in, what’s going out and our approach
to spending money. All the details can be found in our detailed accounts.
This year is shaping up to be just as much of a rollercoaster so we finish with a bit of
a taster of what to look out for over the next year.
There are complex challenges ahead if we are to change Union Street in a way that really
supports our local community that needs it most. We are stronger and can make more
difference together.
We are determined to make more big changes happen and do it in a way that bring joy and
colour to our community. If you would like to be involved you would be very welcome!
Love from
Wendy, Hannah, Laura and all at Team Nudge x
Message from the Chair
This year has been an adventure, forming the board, learning how to work together- our
interests, strengths and gifts, finding out what we need to put in place so that Nudge is a
strong and resilient organisation that can deliver the change we would like to see in the area.
Finding out that so many people support us through the community share offer is a
confirmation that we are not alone in our vision and gives us great encouragement.
The joys of the past year have been transforming the Clipper into an exciting and creative
space that is becoming the focus of much creativity and opportunity. This has been possible
with the help of so many people, much laughter and lots of work. Popping in for a lunch or a
cuppa and meeting whoever is there, seeing the space filled and transformed by groups on
take-over days, using it for a party, all possible because of the love, time and money
invested by so many, thank you, it would not be possible without you.
Of course there have been setbacks, especially the delay in getting the flats upstairs at the
Clipper ready for use which has been a challenge, but that will change soon. For all
organisations, funding is a continuous concern, especially while the business is starting out.
We are lucky that we have such a versatile and valuable team.
One of the risks we could face is over-reaching ourselves, the potential for change and the
exciting ideas are never ending and just so tempting to explore. However, we have to make
sure that we reach out from a secure base, so the plans for the board next year are to
continue to work closely to make sure that Nudge is governed well, has robust financial
oversight and it develops in a sustainable way.
We aim to get the flats rented out, keep Union Corner running and run the Manor Street
Market as well as delivering colour, creativity and vitality to many activities in the street. All
our work is guided and informed by talking with people- residents, businesses, people
walking the street, so please look out for us!
I’m always up for a chat so please contact me if you want to say hello, have more
information or offer help. My email is [email protected], or stop me when I’m cycling by
(my bike is covered in flowers).
Sue Johns
Remind me why Nudge set up again?!
Nudge was set up after years of learning and understanding what is holding an important
street in our neighbourhood back. We understand the impact that this is having on our
community, especially those most at need, and it is not right.
We realised the importance of land ownership and that we really believe that local residents
getting together can make a lasting, strong and impactful change.
We set up as a community benefit society in September 2017. As a co-operative it puts
collaboration and community at the heart of what we are doing. This is demonstrated in
everything we do – from events, bringing buildings back in to use and our long term strategic
planning. It also means that our buildings can be invested in by lots of different people
through community shares which creates a really exciting and accessible way for local
people to have ownership and see some annual return from a good thing happening in their
area.
We are now in a great place to make change happen collectively with our investors,
members, partners, funders and local community.
Remembering where we have come from…
It’s really important to salute your source. Ours is the community we live in. All the
amazing people we have linked up with over the last ten years to make lovely things happen
in our community bring fresh energy, ideas and support that has helped us to grow what we
do.
10 years of voluntary activity in Stonehouse Action created the fun, quirky, can-do vibe
that continues to grow in Nudge. This is super important and even when we are looking at
really complex issues it’s this approach that will help us find a way through that works for our
community.
The Union Street Party is entering its 10th year and is much loved – this is where we really
heard what people were saying about the impact of the empty buildings and realised the
strength of bringing people together and trusting that what happens will be the right thing.
We learnt a huge amount from bringing Union Corner in to use, it was hard and a steep
learning curve. Now we can see it really pushed us on to be braver, more resilient and
seeing a way to make lasting change on the street. Every day we use approaches and
learning from Union Corner to inform how we work and what we do as Nudge.
These building blocks are important to care for
as we build momentum. A significant amount of
time in Nudge is spent on making sure Union
Corner continues. This enables 6000 bowls of free
soup to be served to our most vulnerable and
isolated in our community each year. It supports 49
organisations to host 631 activities that 1283
attended at least 3 sessions of 3 hrs or more over
the last two years.
Just a few of last years’ highlights
We raised £206,750 of community shares from 165 investors making Nudge truly collectively owned. Our largest investor is Co-operatives UK. They invested £100,000 through the
Community Shares Booster Programme. The money comes from Power to Change, the
decision is made by the Community Share Unit, a partnership between Co-operative UK and
Locality https://www.communitysharesbooster.org.uk/
7 volunteers received £100 worth of shares bought by people who wanted to recognise their
contribution.
13 businesses invested.
38% of our investors are from the PL1 area and invested 33% of our total.
The Clipper
6 months of renovation happened including getting all utilities back in to the building,
heating, lighting, repairing, plumbing, decorating and reconfiguring spaces.
We opened The Clipper in July 2018 since then we have had over 5000 people visit.
We have hosted special takeover days with Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, the Art Weekender, Diversity Business Incubator, Fairtrade Fortnight, Plymouth College of Art, Nowhere Illustration Fair and No Whey Plymouth. Theatre Royal Plymouth took over The Clipper for a sell-out run of unique performances written and performed by Project X part of their community workshops. 47 different people have come to sell things at The Clipper and 11 of these have been from our neighbourhood. ___________________________________________________________________
We brought people together on Union Street in lots of ways
In November we had a pyjama party in the Clipper to watch the bridge from Toys R Us to the Pavillions come down and saved the signage and plaster work from The Two Trees before it was demolished. Over the summer we hosted a series of Little Nudges in Palace Square helping to make this public space feel safer and more cared for. In December we sold over 126 keys to the little Advent Box that could be opened every day to see something different made by a local person. In September we helped to organise the 9th Union Street Party – the sun shone and our community turned out in their thousands. We supported Union Corner with all the bookings and managing the space as well as helping to create a plan for it’s future. We hosted our first Manor Street Market in response to people missing the car boot sale. We invested in resources and infrastructure and this is now a regular and growing monthly event.
We got noticed nationally and locally We were named one of 50 New Radical organisations that are changing the
world by Nesta and The Observer in September 2018.
In February an article in The Guardian exploring Plymouth as a social
enterprise city included Nudge as an example.
In November there was an article about Nudge in The Times Business section.
In September we received an award for Union Corner as best community projects at the
Plymouth Community Homes Awards alongside Stonehouse Timebank and Stonehouse
Action.
Wendy spoke at several events including Power to Change events and the launch of SIMPL. She also joined the board of POP+, supported Compassionate Plymouth and presented to the Public Health meeting. Hannah was a judge for The Great British High Street, ran a workshop at The Rank Conference and presented at the Stonehouse Residents Association and Plymouth University. We received feedback about how inspiring people found Nudge and this made us feel surprised, embarrassed and lovely all at the same time.
Team Nudge
Created 3 full time jobs and a part time job.
Created an office so we have space to work and do more good stuff.
Got the practical stuff rolling – accountancy systems, payroll, contracts, insurance, booking
systems, filing systems, website, emails, social media – it all had to be done!
Laura joined us and has turned her hand at anything – if there is anyone who deserves the
title ‘Miss Nudge-a-lot’ it is her.
6 brave, brilliant local people stepped up alongside Hannah and Wendy to form the Nudge
Board. They have had to get their heads around a huge amount and we are very grateful.
We had some tricky times…paying huge business
rates whilst we were revalued was tough, spending
long days with no heating and lighting, keeping our
fingers crossed for funding, jumping hurdles, red tape
and navigating rules and regulations, collapsed drains,
and really wanting to meet peoples’ expectations…but
we’re more resilient than ever and it was totally worth
it!!!
Our funders
School for Social Entrepreneurs Community Business Trade Up programme: funded
by Power to Change this offered us the opportunity to meet other Community Businesses,
access some great training and support and match our traded income with a grant.
Reach Access Fund: this supported us to get investment ready, helping us to scope out the
development needs of The Clipper and get all the relevant assessments, checks and
permissions in place.
Social Enterprise Investment Fund: funded by Plymouth City Council this mix of loan and
grant has supported us to transform the ground floor and create jobs.
The Rank Foundation main grant: over three years we have support to be strong leaders.
This flexible funding has been essential over this last year to help deal with the ups and
downs of a new business.
The Rank Internship: this funded a post at the living wage for a year and brought us Laura
who has added a big, wonderful resource to Team Nudge.
The Rank Foundation Accelerator funding: Laura and Hannah pitched an idea at the
annual conference and were selected by the panel to receive funding to support young
people to sell at Manor Street Market.
Devon and Cornwall Fire and Rescue and partners: this funded our Little Nudges in
Palace Square – a space that local people have said they don’t feel safe in.
Development Grant for Creative Civic Change: Nudge were selected to develop a plan for
three years of creative activity out on Union Street. It’s involved a small working group of
local people, dressing up as zebras and listening to lots of local people, as well as lots of
conversations with partner organisations. Watch out for announcements in May 2019!
These are just some of our supporters this year – we really appreciate all the support,
mentoring and time they have given us to help us grow Nudge.
Local impact We are making things happen in our community in a way that supports local people. These are some of the ways this happened over the last year. We have had 14 regular volunteers that have helped with everything from painting, fixing things, to making pom poms and supporting our events. We have focused on listening, building relationships, and really supporting individuals in bespoke ways so we notice how we can make a difference. We have also seen our volunteers connect into courses, employment and other local projects. We continue to support the running of Union Corner which is a really important local resource used by more than 500 people a month. We think really carefully about our local community needs when we do our pricing, booking, spending, recruiting, activities and strategic planning.
Key impacts this year are:
Developing the Clipper as a long-term asset for the community. Progressing social housing that meets a very local need and nudges current
provision Creating a new pedestrian route for local people connecting to a major regeneration
area Providing unique selling space for local people, student, start-ups and experienced
sellers keeping it affordable and accessible Offering a safe, welcoming, curious space for local people Positive visual impacts that benefits the street Testing this model as an alternative model of regeneration and bringing a building
back in to use that can be replicated Creating events in parts of the street that people feel are unsafe or uncared for Supporting other local projects, ideas and activities
‘You’ve given me a chance to get
back to normal.’
‘I was having a cr*p day and I walked
in here and just thought yay, what a
lovely place – just what I needed.’
‘A little bit of light and joy on a dark
day – thank you.’
‘Brilliant women doing a brilliant
thing.’
‘Pioneers building vibrant, resilient,
local economies!’
Trading
As a community business we need to trade to help support what we do and make
more of a difference along the street. These are some of the ways that we are trading at
the moment.
The Clipper market space – the bar and all the units are available for people to sell from.
It’s really affordable but also come with lots of support to help your venture move forward.
Spaces – we hire out spaces in The Clipper in a way that is really affordable and accessible.
We’ve hosted meetings, parties, private dining, quiz nights and even a very special proposal
– she said yes!
Events – every month we have the Manor Street Market where people can have a table for
between £5 and £10 and we support young people with a grant to have a go at being an
entrepreneur.
Our takeovers are based around themes and bring communities that have things in common
together. They also help to support trading activity in The Clipper and build up footfall,
customers and networks.
Our market umbrellas are available to hire for the day and this year they were used by a
number of community events.
Time – we have a range of expertise in Nudge that we love to share with other organisations
that need some support. This year we have worked for the Hoe Forum, RIO and the
Empowering Places Programme, and Power to Change.
We have been accepted as Power to Change Community Business Brokers so in 2019 we
will be visiting other community businesses in the region to support them to identify and
access extra support they need to make their business flourish.
Thank you to all our customers for helping us grow and thrive. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2019.
Finance update
We spend in a way that invests as much as possible back into local area – spending money locally with businesses and supporting local people employing locally. We spend 50.5% within a mile and 94% in Plymouth.
In addition to this income we took on two loans with our early investors and with the Plymouth City Council Housing Loan, we have paid both of these back. We now have two loans - £60,000 from Plymouth City Council Social Enterprise Investment Fund which we are now paying back each month; and our community share investors. We are on track to pay our shareholders 3.6% return in October, this will go to our board in September and we will update our shareholders with a 6 month update. This information is for summary only and should be viewed alongside our annual accounts
that are published separately alongside this report.
64.6%
18.3%
6.2%
3.1%7.9%
How we spent our money up to March 18
Wages Running costs
Advertising, professional fees Bank and loan charges
Direct costs
44.2%
2.0%
10.9%7.3%
8.6%
27.0%
How we spent our money Mar - Dec 2018
Wages Running costs
Advertising, professional fees Bank, crowdfunder and loan charges
Direct costs Refurbishment costs
46.5%
53.5%
Money coming in up to March 2018
Grants Consultancy
78.8%
16.7%
4.5%
Money coming in Mar - Dec 2018
Grants Consultancy Clipper income
What’s on for 2019?
At the beginning of the year No Whey started at The Clipper. They are going from strength to
strength and it’s great to see the bar area being used to support a local independent start-up
business. They are registering as a Community Interest Company and have lots of ideas for
projects going forward. If you haven’t tried their food yet, pop in and give it a go!
We have set targets to increase our traded income. This helps us become more resilient.
We will be starting to increase our regular opening times. We are also looking for people to
bring The Clipper alive – people who are interested in following in the steps of No Whey and
having a go at running a food business; or people that would like to sell, make or create
things in the units at The Clipper. We are also continuing to sell our services to other
organisations that match our values locally and nationally.
Moving our new tenants in is a milestone we now expect to achieve by the summer. Thanks
to Kier, Bailey Partnership and The Rogers Group construction on the two flats is
moving forward, providing local housing for two single dads and a regular rental income for
Nudge.
After experimenting with Little Nudges along the street – bringing joy, colour and creativity
out on the street for everyone to enjoy will become a regular occurrence over the coming
year.
We are getting involved in the regeneration happening along Bath Street to make sure we
think about how our community can be involved and how it can connect with local projects.
In September, a year after our share offer finished, we will be in touch with all shareholders
about your annual interest payment. To date we are on track to pay 3.6%.
It has been a very busy year and we won’t be slowing down, but we do need to make sure
we are really strong as a community business and we grow in a way that remains true to
authenticity and the community we are based in. Our board will be supporting us to do this.
We are planning our next steps. The Clipper is a pilot to learn and test how community
ownership can work to bring buildings back in to use. As you know, there are many empty
buildings in our community, and lots of fantastic organisations that could operate
businesses, make much needed homes or cultural destinations from them if they were in
use. We are exploring how Nudge could contribute to making this happen.
Please pop in every now and again we love seeing you!
Dates for your diary
Saturday 27 April – Manor Street Market 10 – 2pm
Sunday 28 April – No Whey Cruelty Free Market at The Clipper 11-4pm
Monday 13 May – look out for special things happening on Union Street!
16 – 19 May - Community Business Weekend
Saturday 25 May – Manor Street Market
Sunday 2 June – Big Lunch
24 June – 7 July – Co-op fortnight
Saturday 29 June – Manor Street Market
Saturday 27 July – Manor Street Market
Saturday 31 August – Manor Street Market
Sunday 15 September 2019 – Union Street Party (number 10!)
November 2019 – pick up your key for this years’ Advent Box
Please note: we have the builders working away at The Clipper on the two flats upstairs in
May and June so we haven’t booked many events in yet as we don’t want to cause them
disruption. Keep an eye out for our newsletters and social media for updates on events.
p.s don’t forget you have an important role as a member or shareholder! There are 165 shareholder of Nudge Community Builders Limited and an additional 68 members. You have the right to attend and vote at general meetings, stand for election to the Board, and inspect the share register of the Society. But being a member is so much more than that – you share the responsibility to make our community business a success. You could:
Encourage your friends and family to visit the market regularly
Help to attract market stall holders or even be one yourself
Connect us to opportunities to get exciting things happening on the ground floor – events, pop up activity…we want it to feel like a place to come back to
Volunteer – this could be helping the place run, mentoring a start up, or promotion – all help is welcome!
So being a member means being part of a co-operative making something really great happen in our area as well as looking after your investment. In return we will do lots of lovely things to keep you up to date, to give you reasons to pop in and to feel like your investment is being treated with the love and care it deserves.
Keep in touch!
@nudgecommunity
Pop in to The Clipper Thursday – Saturday 12-6pm
Sign up for Nudge News at www.nudge.community
