We meet Richard Beck from Fulwell Community Library and one of our nominees for the Social Entrepreneur Index 2020.
What does your social enterprise do?
Library, IT and Community Centre
What made you start your business up?
A need in the Community
How do you measure your impact?
Satisfaction levels in users/ statistics
What help did you have to start your social enterprise?
Grant of £11,007
How did you decide on what legal form would work best for your business?
Advice from National Lottery Bright Ideas Fund
What’s the best thing about being a social entrepreneur?
Helping local people
What have been the three biggest challenges that you have overcome (or that you’re still working on)?
An old building in need of much updating, Negotiating the lease, Adapting the café area.
What advice would you give to aspiring social entrepreneurs?
Don’t hesitate, it becomes easier. Write a good Business Plan and be sure where your income will come from or ask for help in writing one. Plan your route and train your staff. Pick the right staff.
Why do you think social enterprise is important?
In a period of reducing funds it is important for those who can to step forward and keep important services going.
What’s been your most rewarding experience as a social entrepreneur?
Being nominated for a Best of Wearside Award
What information sources would you recommend (books, websites, organisations?) to help someone just starting their social enterprise journey?
The National Lottery Bright Ideas Fund
What’s been the most surprising thing about creating a social enterprise?
How our users have bought into the whole idea.
What are your plans for the next 2-5 years?
Improve the building and tackle the leaky roof, rotten windows and extend while reducing bills and outgoings.
What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world?
Caring governments that look after their people.
What have been your three proudest moments as a social entrepreneur?
Best of Wearside Award Ceremony, Being told that the library was a credit to Sunderland by Sunderland Council Director of Leisure. Helping other libraries with advice and practical help.
What would you say to encourage more entrepreneurs to consider the social impact of their businesses?
Work out carefully what you want to achieve putting the accent on people, work out how you are going to do it. Make sure it is enjoyable and fulfilling.