The People's Business is our business

The People’s Business Social Enterprise UK’s State of Social Enterprise Survey published this week reveals a thriving sector full of promise, optimism and innovative ideas. In short: the social enterprise sector is thriving. 

It’s important to us here at Poached Creative for two reasons. 

1. It shows the sector in action

We designed and proofread the report, commissioned the photography and worked with Social Enterprise UK to ensure it stood out from the crowd. 

The project enabled us to provide work experience opportunities for two young photographers. It also provided paid work for our former trainees, proofreader Emma, and project assistant Tobias, who co-ordinated the photoshoot with five featured social enterprises.  

Cardine Martin and Joel Witter gained valuable experience assisting the photographer, Agenda from Visual Marvelry, on the professional photoshoots.

Behind the scenes with Agenda at the Jamie's
Italian photoshoot.  Photo by Cardine Martin

Cardine describes her role on the shoots for Belu Water at Jamie's Italian and Elvis and Kresse:

“I was a photographer’s assistant. I prepared the equipment by setting up the tripod and checking the lighting and memory card. I also helped to choose the location and I put the clients at ease.”

She says she now understands what's involved in ‘doing a photoshoot’ and has gained confidence in her own work through the process. 

2. We're leading a global movement

The second reason is to do with being part of an exciting, global social enterprise movement, with social enterprises in the UK leading the way.
 

Social enterprises represent a new and effective blueprint for doing business. In the UK the sector is growing rapidly, with an annual contribution to the economy valued at over £24 billion. In our current ‘doom and gloom filled’ economic climate, this is encouraging news.

Social enterprises are flourishing precisely because they are creative, innovative, confident and diverse. You are just as likely to see women and people from different ethnic backgrounds in the boardroom as you are unlikely to see them in more traditional set ups. It is also common to find dynamic groups of passionate young people who are creating solutions to self-identified problems - the award-winning Oii My Size project is a good example.

 

Social enterprise could just be the answer that the nation needs. Instead of demonising people who are unemployed, marginalised and overlooked, the sector sees people as part of the solution. 

Take a look at the innovative work from featured organisations Elvis and Kresse, Connection Crew, Belu Water and Bounce Back. 
 

Download the full report from the Social Enterprise UK website and join the conversation at #peoplesbusiness

The pros and cons of pets at work - a Poached perspective

They say Britain's a nation of animal lovers. But would you feel ecstatic about having them in your workplace?

Poached Creative's newest recruit is a rescue dog named Fudge. A lovely, gentle and elegant example of a Staffordshire Bull-terrier. How will she fit in with the team - given the compact and open-plan office space?

Well, not wanting to Fudge the issue entirely (groan!) here is a quick look at the positive and negative aspects of pets at work. Six of one and half a dozen of the other:

THE PROS:

(1) A (WO-)MAN'S BEST FRIEND
Fudge and Lucy (her owner) descend from a long tradition of human to animal couplings. Stories known across time and global culture - acknowledging some variation, naturally. Step forward to take a bow wow: Dorothy and Toto, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, Blue Peter and Petra. Working elements to this relationship evolved from necessity. Nomad without camel, shepherd without sheepdog, anybody? Unthinkable.

(2) MAINSTREAM ACCEPTANCE
No longer purely creatures of the wild outdoors or chained howling day and night in the yard, like days of old. Pet animals came in from the cold a long time ago. Now domesticated companions at home and work alike and valued social assets in social terms and many other ways.

(3) IMPROVES TEAM DYNAMICS
Fudge is melting the hearts of most Poachers. The office air full of excitement - and there is no shortage of eager beavers, vying for their turn to go walkies.

Even our most 'undoggy' staff member freely admits that Fudge lifts the collective vibe as smiles break out all over the faces of Poachers.

(4) BENEFITS FOR HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY
Dogs don't hog all the work roles. Other pets are available! Researchers find all types to potentially benefit health and productivity. Cat owners are 30% less likely to suffer heart attack and their purr vibrates at pain-relieving frequencies (Stroke Centre, University of Minnesota, as reported by The Evening Standard)

British Journal of Health Psychology (2007) found humans with pet dogs enjoy numerous health pay-offs. Lower blood pressure, heart disease, cholestrol levels, and fewer minor-to-serious conditions, frankly too many to list here.

A chatty insurance firm receptionist once confided in me that 'actuarists' - statistics eggheads used by the industry - have 'done the math' and arrived at a startling truth. The life expectancy of pet-owners is up to 20yrs longer than the pet-less.

Note to reader - the above is potentially true for a wide variety of pets, in particular 'tactile' types you cuddle, groom and walk. Do not attempt these with your pet goldfish or boa constrictor).

(5) PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING
Pets have the power to deliver us from ourselves! They provide a welcome break from modern culture's frantic promotion of absorption into the 'self' or the digital artifice of 'social networking'. So - if a 'poke' or 'like' on Facebook isn't satisfying you - it could be time to reach out. Stroke a furry animal. Or talk to one. 

It might help to stem the tide of anxiety and depression, lurking below society's shiny surface. Not for nothing are some pets known as a 'source of unconditional love'.

(6) CUTEST KIND OF COMPANY MASCOT
Clients visiting your company can be seduced by pets. A living emblem, that can effectively and effortlessly communicate an organisation's unique personality, sometimes quicker than 'product' or 'service' alone.

This point in no way endorses the use of animals for purely commercial purposes!

THE CONS:

(1) LOVE IS BLIND - AND SOMETIMES DEAF
Animal lovers - beware 'head in the sand' thinking! This risks a disregard for people not inclined to feel affection, or even tolerance, for animals. Situations may turn tricky.

'Non-lovers' can end up feeling like part of a minority at work, set against the 'lovers' and the 'indifferent' (or abstainers!). Distaste is at times based on variables (animal hygiene levels, smells or sounds). Stronger, visceral reactions or aversions are something else. Sensitive navigation by all concerned, or skilful mediation, could provide solutions.

Animal lovers - try to avoid loud statements like "I just do not trust people who dislike animals!". Non-lovers - do resist fixing shocked facial expressions common to finding rotting food at the rear of the fridge, or pigeon crap on your suit. Responsible pet ownership involves patiently educating and navigating people towards a balanced view.


(2) PRICE OF PETS
Pet care costs, such as vet bills, can be very high - especially without pet insurance. Research potential pets. Set a budget prior to purchase. Think about creating 'pet-free zones' at work to accommodate staff/clients who are not animal fans.  And remember, pets are full-time not part-time preoccupations.

(3) DISRUPTIVE INFLUENCE
Expect disruptions and distractions to work flow. Pets can be noisy, unpredictable, attention-seekers. Animal sickness, and eventual death, bring inevitable emotional drama and possibly sap time and energy.

(4) HYGIENE & SAFETY
Pets need special training and facilities (toilet, wash) and will chew all sorts, from office carpets to that non-pet-loving (!) colleague's designer 'it' bag.

(5) ACKNOWLDEGE THE NEGATIVES - ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES
Our most undoggy Poacher reports persevering with a negative resistance of pets. All dogs, from the handbag pooch to the over-excited pitbull left to run off-lead in the park, are a perceived threat to well-being. Viewing sympathetic shows, such as 'Dog Whisperer', 'Dog Borstal' or 'Dog Rehab' can help a little. Time for a spot of DVD shopping!

(6) LOOK FOR THE SOFT LANDING
Disclaimer alert!  Not having any pets of my own - I confess to having a warm animal 'soft spot'. Let's land this argument gently. The happy ending here rests upon the common ground humans share with animals.

Lest we forget, we are all mammals, only we are uniquely equipped to show conscious kindness towards others of our species. Or the rest of the Animal Kingdom.  

So, how does this belief manifest in the way you approach being a boss @poachedcreative?

This was the question Spark + Mettle posed, via Twitter, in response to Lara:

swantwothree 

@SparkAndMettle: brilliant @poachedcreative boss @jessicatsmith is big believer in importance of enjoying work & the social impact it makes

It got me thinking.

Staff and volunteers alike say Poached has a good atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other, people generally like being in the office and, at least they tell me, they feel supported and happy to be working.

How much of that is down to the people we attract and how much of it down to careful management and design I can't say. I guess they feed off each other.

Here are my answers:

jessicatsmith 

@SparkAndMettle Tough question for a tweet! 1. recognise that work is just part of someone's life 2. encourage staff to support oneanother

jessicatsmith 

@SparkAndMettle ...socially and professionally 3. take the chance to have some fun now and then, eg close office early for a snow day or BBQ

A lot of it also has to do with our office buddies Mediorite and YH World who share our values and constantly push for a better working environment.

I'd be interested to know if anyone out there has recent research or further thoughts. Tweet @jessicatsmith @poachedcreative @sparkandmettle or comment below and we'll RT you.

Doing a great deal more - why we buy social

Poached Creative is a writing and communications company that builds social value into everything we do. We're proud to have provided the campaign creative for Social Enterprise UK's new year-long campaign: Do a great deal - BUY social.

As well as ensuring our communications services and training programmes create genuine opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged people, we look beyond our own activities to see how our business can have a social impact elsewhere.

To run effectively, we need training for our staff, CRB checks for our volunteers, environmentally responsible printing services and ethical banking. Buying these services from other social enterprises means we can make an even greater impact across communities. Over the last three years we’ve found a few brilliant organisations to work with and we’re always on the hunt for more.

Who do we buy social from?

A youth media agency that develops young disadvantaged people into careers in the creative industries, Mediorite is our delivery partner of choice for youth and media projects. Together we have worked on the BBC Radio One Hackney Academy, Peabody’s Staying Safe campaign, Social Enterprise UK’s Buy Social campaign, Discover Young Hackney festival materials and communicaitons support for local charity Off Centre.

Print co-operative Calverts provides high quality, environmentally sustainable printing services and has supported us with poster campaigns, art exhibitions, marketing materials and more.

A bank that puts social change, social benefit and community involvement at the heart of its business, Unity Trust Bank provides our day-to-day banking services.

Youth charity SkyWay provides a place to go and positive activities for Hackney’s young people as a real alternative to gang culture. Its enterprise arm provides super-fast, no fuss CRB checking services for our volunteers and new recruits.

Training and development for volunteers and staff are a big part of our commitment to the people who make up Poached Creative. Social enterprises Striding Out and Social Spider are two training providers we’ve recently used to build skills within our team. Supporting Striding Out means we’re also empowering young people to achieve their potential, while Social Spider’s work on mental health issues and community journalism is close to our hearts.

Who does a great deal more with us?

Social Enterprise UK used us for the design and messaging for its new year-long Buy Social campaign.

Business in the Community and arc buy our web content, report writing and photography services.

Westway Development Trust used our writing and editing services for its 40^th anniversary book.

Seamless supports people who are sight impaired, have disabilities and who care for others. We developed their website and marketing materials and support them with events and PR.

LKMco works across across the education, youth and policy sectors to ensure all young people receive the support they need to make a fulfilling transition to adulthood. We designed their latest report into teachers and their unions.

Transitions supports highly skilled refugees through their transition to full-time professional work in the UK. We’re supporting them with their communications strategy and messages for employers.

Healthy Planet benefits from our blogging and PR support.

London Centre for Social Impact helps grassroots organisations make a lasting difference to their communities and used us for their print marketing materials.

Camden Calling refers people to our training programmes.

We also work for charities, housing associations and local government. See our online portfolio.

Join the campaign - blog, tweet (#buysocial) or write about your social buying habits and let Social Enterprise UK know. Download campaign materials and find out more on the Buy Social campaign web page. 

Find out how our sister social enterprise Mediorite gets social enterprises into its supply chain. Read Lucy's blog.

Putting the enterprise into social enterprise

“Not limited by the resources currently in hand” is how J Gregory Dees, known as the father of social entrepreneurship education, describes one of the characteristics of social entrepreneurship.

He goes on to explain that social entrepreneurs are skilled at doing more with less and at attracting resources from elsewhere – drawing in partners and collaborating with others.

There are, of course, other more common characteristics: a mission to create and sustain social value goes to the very core of social entrepreneurship. This is what defines the growing number of social enterprises in the UK – estimated at more than 68,000. According to Social Enterprise UK, the national membership body for social enterprise, a substantial 39 per cent of them are concentrated in the most deprived communities (compared with 13 per cent of SMEs).

Social enterpreneurs are, as if by definition, social first.
It’s the entrepreneurship that proves evasive. For those with social values as their raison d’etre, it becomes a means to an end, part of the fight for survival in an economic climate where funding and compassion are fast drying up.

In time, it’s very likely that the difference between those social ventures that survive and those that fail will be the entrepreneurial element.

J Gregory Dees’ description above brought to mind a friend and colleague who, for me, embodies the collaborative, resource-mobilising characteristic so well. Lucy Ferguson runs a youth media agency, Mediorite, out of an office we share in Hackney, London.

Read the full article in ISBE's Enterprising Matters e-magazine.

Co-creation and how to go about it

One of the more recent terms to surface in the social sector is ‘co-creation’, sometimes used interchangeably with ‘co-production’. Organisations like Nesta use the terms to describe the process of designing products or services with the people who are going to use them. Only occasionally are the term and techniques used for communications.

What is co-creation?

Co-creation basically means collaborative creation. At Poached Creative and we define co-creation as designing creative assets alongside the people we are trying to reach.

This could be:

·      young people producing anti-crime campaigns for their peers

·      people with learning disabilities building an accessible website

·      homeless and unemployed people creating a blog about their experiences.

More than a focus group

Traditional focus groups get people together, test some ideas and usually leave it up to the creatives to accept or ignore the feedback. In co-creation the ideas and content are generated, tested and approved by the group. They retain collective oversight of the product or service through the development process.

Top creatives will be involved with the process so they can hear from the audience first-hand  and bring in the professional view..

In addition to creating something that they care about, participants will also gain or practice skills in communication, team work and pitching/presentation.

The process

1. Meet with audience members. Often this will be a mixed group of different audience members, including staff and stakeholders. The workshop looks for consensus on the following questions:

·      What do we know about the issue and audience?

·      Why does it matter to us and what matters most?

2. Find the message, media and channel. Planning is the key to any successful communications project and this stage provides the foundation for PR and distribution plans. The group explores the following questions:

·      Where will our audience be, how do we reach them?

·      What’s it about? How would you say it to a friend?

·      What does success look like? How will we know when it’s good?

3. Get creative. Often this stage will take place with creative professionals – eg. writers, designers, filmmakers or photographers in the room. It will:

·      Look at what’s already out there, research content

·      Design/write/film/create social media

4. Critical feedback. This is the point where the creative is tested  with different audience members. Participants will ask the following questions:

·      Does this work? What do other people think? Are we missing something?

·      Feedback and input from stakeholders/experts

·      Amend and seek sign off

5. Launch and promote. This stage is all about getting the product out to the right people through the right channels and enlisting the help and contacts of everyone in the group.

6. Evaluate and feed back. Involving the group in evaluating the success, based on criteria agreed in stage 2, is crucial for the learning process and also to improve future products.

Co-creation techniques

Co-creation from Poached Creative starts with an audience group and a brief or theme. We facilitate groups using a range of techniques to engage them in the creative process over anything from two to twelve sessions.

Some of these techniques include:

·      open discussion, brainstorming and mood boarding

·      creating audience personas

·      future basing

·      SWOT and PEST analysis

·      distribution and PR planning

·      action planning, assigning roles and tasks

·      presentation/pitching and critical review

·      documenting progress and building networks through social media

“Co-creation isn’t about happy-clapper brainstorms and blank sheets of paper, it’s about well-channelled creative energy and structured tasks that meet a business challenge.”
Sense Worldwide (2009) The Spirit of Co-Creation: Risk-Managed Creativity for Business

For more information visit:

Poached Creative's co-creation page
www.staying-safe.com

http://www.nesta.org.uk

http://www.innovationlabs.org.uk

http://www.forbes.com/sites/infosys/2011/12/20/co-creation-innovation-bte

http://www.thespiritofcocreation.com/about/

Reduce and reuse - have we come full cycle?

Volunteer and past trainee Richard Bastian is blogging for our clients Healthy Planet and has had a piece featured on the Independent website. 

Fifty years ago the British wartime ‘make do and mend’ attitude may not have leapt to mind when considering the environment, but in 2012 the principle of reuse is experiencing a revival.
London residents alone throw away 20 million tonnes of waste each year according to the London Community Resource Network, which estimates that recycling or reusing these resources could stop 150 million tonnes of annual carbon emissions.

Consumer companies are forever selling us new goods and the rise of cheap fashion in high street stores had reduced the incentive to mend old items. However, designers such as Wayne Hemingway, who has turned old cola bottles into umbrellas, and From Somewhere’s Orsola de Castro, who turned banned Speedo swimsuits into designer dresses, are making reuse more fashionable.

Read the full article on Independent blogs.