Category Archives: Community News

Commercial Property, Community News, Devon News, News

£600,000 investment secures iconic Plymouth building for the community

  • Nudge, Resonance and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation join forces to save former cinema and nightclub
  • The purchase unlocks funding for community spaces, including a music venue, thanks to Youth investment Fund

 

Work is underway on a project to breathe new life into an iconic Plymouth building, thanks to collaboration between three organisations.

 

Nudge Community Builders has taken on the Millennium Building, following a £600,000 joint investment from social impact investor Resonance and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

 

Construction has now started on plans to turn the Union Street building into community spaces for young people and the wider community, including a music venue, workshops and a café bar.

 

Hannah Sloggett, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Nudge Community Builders, said: “We couldn’t wait to bring this special building back into use after it had stood empty for 17 years.

 

“We can now move forward with confidence and look forward to the journey to bring this building back into use for lasting local benefit.”

 

The Millennium Building was constructed as a cinema in 1931 and was later turned into a nightclub, before its closure in the early 2000s.

 

The structure stood empty for 17 years before Nudge purchased 50% of the building, thanks to investments of over £350,000 from the Rank Foundation and 491 community shareholders, and a partnership with Eat Work Art.

 

The latest phase has seen a joint investment of £600,000 from Resonance and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, to purchase the remaining 50% of the building, and a £480,000 grant from the Youth Investment Fund to support internal works.

 

Tom Crook, Investment Manager for Resonance Community Developers Fund, said:

“Resonance and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation are delighted to partner in a joint investment into Nudge, supporting efforts to bring this iconic building into community ownership.

 

“We are a huge supporter of Nudge and the work they are doing in Plymouth.”

 

Nudge Community Builders is a Charitable Community Benefit Society set up in 2017 by local residents Hannah Sloggett and Wendy Hart in Stonehouse, Plymouth.

They had been volunteering in their community for over ten years and kickstarted the Union Street Party, created Union Corner and were asked by the community to do more about the empty buildings.

 

Within the first five years, Nudge unlocked 25% of the empty buildings along Union Street and now offers spaces for local people to grow across five previously derelict sites.

 

About Resonance Community Developers

 

Resonance Community Developers (RCD), which is a Resonance Ltd social investment fund, is designed to support communities to create and own assets that meet local needs and help to build community cohesion, by investing in community-led affordable homes and facilities that benefit the whole community.

 

The fund typically invests in affordable homes, sports and leisure facilities, low-carbon and renewable energy generation and other community assets.

 

For further information, please visit www.nudge.community

Charity News, Community News

How Harrow Self-Storage Supports Local Charities and Community Initiatives

An area known for being community-minded and socially conscious, Harrow has a long tradition of people coming together to support local causes.

There are many ways local charitable organisations benefit from the community’s support, including the contribution of self-storage facilities like Attic Storage.

However, storage units can be about more than personal storage and storage for local businesses. They can also play a part in helping local charities, charities with donation drives and community groups to find affordable and convenient storage solutions.

A Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most

One of the ways Attic Self Storage Facility in Harrow is making a difference is by offering space to local charities at a reasonable rate, making them the ideal local charity storage partner. With affordable storage solutions, local charities can be sure their donations, both small and large, including food, clothing and children’s toys, are taken care of until they are ready to go to those in need.

By renting self-storage in Harrow, local charitable organisations can work more efficiently, taking the focus off logistics and placing it on helping those they aim to assist. Self-storage in Harrow is a cost-effective and practical solution for community groups and organisations in need of some extra storage space that does not require setting up a warehouse or having the overhead expenses that stem from renting one.

Thanks to support from Attic Storage, these groups are better able to concentrate on helping those in need and can rest assured their donations are in safe hands.

Supporting Local Charities and Community Efforts

It isn’t just local space that is offered with these solutions. The team works with schools, businesses and charity events, providing the local community with quality solutions where charity work can be more efficient. From providing a space near you to store donated goods to offering the local community an easy way to drop off goods for a good cause, the center is conveniently within reach.

Apart from providing a spot where food can be easily stored, local charity storage spaces can serve a multitude of purposes for those looking to donate clothes or participate in a humanitarian project.

Building Stronger Community Connections

Storage solutions offer space to local charitable organisations to get on with the business of helping people in need. This frees them from the distraction or problem of looking for storage, enabling locals to speedily organise and implement other things for a charitable drive and acting as a voluntary donation drop-off point for people in London.

A storage unit in Harrow is a way locals can connect with one another. Gaps can be bridged between those with the resources to help and those in need. The community can come together for important causes and really make a difference. Attic Self Storage is just one of many local businesses that contribute to building this type of connection. In this affluent London borough, there are many opportunities to show charity, support and cooperation.

Making a Difference with Self-Storage in Harrow

Having some epically thoughtful and community-minded self-storage spaces in Harrow really is a true testament to the facilities themselves and the community at large. They are the sort of community that is their “brother/sister’s keeper” and take that commitment seriously! The storage facilities do more than just store stuff — they are an important piece of the Harrow charitable community!

Carbon Reduction, Community News

Salford’s ‘Greenest’ Community Centre ‘Peel and Park Pavilion’ Opens its Doors

Little Hulton’s Peel Park Pavilion opened its doors on with a blazing community celebration.

The brand-new centre, which finished construction last month, boasts a vibrant new community space with a park café, offices and meeting rooms.

The impressive £950k project, designed by Architecture Unknown, was built using a zero-carbon, modular design system called WikiHouse – making it one of the greenest buildings in Salford.

The grand opening this weekend, was opened by traditional Chinese lion dance and attended by the Salford City Council Mayor Paul Dennett. Guests also enjoyed performances from local bands, dancers and choirs as part of the celebrations.

To mark the opening a golden buzzer was released by the young people from Little Hulton and after dusk the park was lit up by a fire animation by Walk the Plank.

Speaking of the grand opening, Francesca Ganz, local resident and CommUNITY Little Hulton Trustee said: “It was amazing, the community came together and everyone loved it.”

The redevelopment of the pavilion was generously funded by The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation (AGCF) and is a major milestone in the revitalisation of the whole park.

Charlie Butterwick, Director of Architecture Unknown, said: “To see the doors open on this project is a huge achievement for all involved. Well over 1000 hours of donated sweat equity has gone into making this building, and opening  really celebrates that hard work and the start of a new chapter for the centre.

“For Architecture Unknown, The Peel Park Pavilion is truly the heart of what we do; community lead architecture that creates amazing, artistic spaces that will enrich an area for many years to come. We are proud to see the doors finally open to the public.”

The Pavillion is a WikiHouse design. WikiHouse is often described as the IKEA of construction, offering the opportunity for anyone to get in on the build… even the local kids.

In June 2024, around 60 children from the Lowry Academy and St Edmunds RC School were among the local volunteers who helped to get construction underway at the centre. Alongside the school children, more than 100 volunteers from the Little Hulton area have been down to lend a hand on the construction site.

Peter Heberlet from the The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation (AGCF) added: “The design has given children and young people in the community a bigger stake in the building. From being involved in its construction to seeing the different roles of within the industry, we hope the project may have sparked an interest in the construction industry which needs to attract more skilled people in the future.”

Since Summer 2017, Community Little Hulton has been working across the area to invest in young lives, focusing on young adults who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and children from deprived backgrounds.

Architecture Unknown first secured planning permission for the project in 2021. After being severely delayed by Covid-19, the team began construction in April of last year.

Speaking at the opening, Alison Jones, developments manager for Community Little Hulton, said: “Everyone is very excited about how this new building provides the community with an excellent facility to do even more great things.”

 

For more information or interviews with Charlie Butterwick please contact PR representative Emma, the-lowedown@outlook.com

Business News, Community News, Environment, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society expands tree-planting efforts to support local woodland

Swansea Building Society is strengthening its commitment to sustainability by planting over 800 native trees and shrubs at Penllergare Valley Woods. Taking place on Monday, March 10, and Thursday, March 13, 2025, this initiative supports local biodiversity and the restoration of this cherished woodland.

A team of 28 Swansea Building Society staff members took part in the initiative over the two days, which also included the clearance of invasive non-native plant species such as rhododendron and laurel. This effort follows the Society’s contribution during its centenary year in 2023, when it planted 100 trees, including sessile oak, rowan, and hazel, to support wildlife and increase biodiversity in the valley.

The Penllergare Trust, a registered charity formed in 2000 by local volunteers, is dedicated to maintaining, restoring, and conserving the historically and ecologically significant Penllergare Valley Woods. Spanning 275 acres, the site serves as a crucial green corridor linking the ecologically rich Gower Peninsula to the rest of Wales, while also providing a valuable natural space for the community.

The estate is maintained by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers alongside a small staff team. Their efforts were nationally recognised in 2016 when they received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Trust is further supported by the Friends of Penllergare organisation, which raises funds through memberships and fundraising activities.

Welcoming over 120,000 visitors each year, Penllergare Valley Woods is an essential recreational and conservation area that has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are proud to build upon our previous efforts to enhance biodiversity at Penllergare Valley Woods. Planting 800 native trees and tackling invasive species will help preserve this historic and ecologically vital landscape. As a mutual organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities and their natural environments. We hope our contribution will make a lasting difference for both wildlife and visitors alike.”

Lee Turner, General Manager of the Penllergare Trust, added:

“The support from Swansea Building Society is invaluable in our mission to protect and restore Penllergare Valley Woods. Their ongoing commitment helps us create a healthier ecosystem by introducing native trees and tackling the challenges posed by invasive species. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to conservation and the local community.”

Charity & CSR, Community News, News, Recruitment

UK recruiter launches three-year plan to actively promote positive social, economic and environmental changes within UK communities

‘Acorn Impact’ by Acorn by Synergie has pledged to dedicate 10,000 working hours to tackling barriers to employment and enhancing social mobility in local communities
A new purpose-driven initiative to create positive social, economic and environmental impacts within UK communities has been announced by one of the country’s foremost recruiters, Acorn by Synergie.
‘Acorn Impact’ will see 10,000 hours of company time dedicated to enhancing social mobility in local communities over the next three years, helping the people the recruiter works with focus on achieving their true potential.
The 10,000 hours will include actively engaging with diverse communities via partnerships, networking events and jobs fairs to attract talent from under-represented groups, providing workshops and mentoring to help people progress further in their careers, plus more.
The new strategy also aims to reduce inequalities by providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background and reflects Acorn by Synergie’s belief that successful businesses must play an active role in addressing social challenges.
To mark its launch, companies including engineering giant Smiths joined representatives from training and employment specialists Maximus at Acorn by Synergie’s UK headquarters for a special ‘Acorn Impact Workshop’. The event, which was also attended by members of the public, provided job seekers with an inside look at the manufacturing and production sector.
The event facilitated shared experiences between employers and career experts to help give those attending the best chance of gaining employment and excelling within the sector, with the aim of getting them into the workplace.
Owen Pottow, a job seeker from Newport, explained their reasons for attending: “I’m looking for a job and when I heard about the event I thought it could help me. They talked through different types of job roles in manufacturing which was interesting as I didn’t realise there were roles other than picking and packing in the warehouse. I’m leaving today with much more knowledge and feeling motivated to get to work!”
Held in collaboration with Maximus, which has been delivering employability services for more than 70 years to help people to find and stay in work UK-wide, the session was the first of multiple activities Acorn by Synergie will be following over the next three years under its new Acorn Impact strategy.
Stella Jones, Regional Account Manager at Maximus said: “We have worked with Acorn for many years; they cover a variety of sectors which almost gives us a one stop shop for helping our candidates with discovering other areas of work that they may not have considered previously.
She added: “The beauty of this event is that it’s face-to-face rather than online and anonymous – that is so valuable and will mean a lot to the attendees.”
Lawrence Beach, client development director for Acorn by Synergie led the event and said: “Acorn by Synergie has been working ever more closely with local communities to help close the loop between job seekers from all backgrounds and real-life work experience in recent years.
He added: “Introducing Acorn Impact as a formal business strategy that will ensure this approach now becomes integral to the work we do in bringing employers and candidates together nationwide was the logical next step for us, therefore, as a leading recruiter for the UK.”
Centred around five strategic pillars – Social Mobility, Community Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, Ethical Sourcing, and Employee Wellbeing and Development – the initiative will now be rolled out company wide to help create positive social, economic, and environmental change within communities across the UK.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergie, added: “As an organisation we’re really passionate about being socially responsible and working together in a way that helps us all to do right by the people and communities around us.
“With this in mind, over the next three years, Acorn by Synergie is pledging to dedicate a minimum of 10,000 hours of company time towards initiatives and activities which will enhance social mobility. Our aim is to help build a more inclusive and equitable society where people from all backgrounds can thrive, helping to create a brighter future for all.”
Business, Community News

Swansea Building Society Steps In to Support Tata Steel Employees Amid Redundancy Announcements

With the recent announcement of job losses at Tata Steel in Port Talbot, Swansea Building Society is providing support to those impacted. As part of their dedication to the community, the Society will hold ‘drop-in’ clinics at the steelworks, offering details on their savings account options to the affected staff.

Swansea Building Society, an independent mutual Building Society established in 1923, provides mortgages and a range of straightforward savings accounts. Unlike many financial institutions, Swansea Building Society does not offer investment advice linked to the stock market or pensions. This position allows them to offer a ‘safe haven’ for Tata employees who may be receiving redundancy funds and potentially a further 25% tax-free pension lump sum, depending on their age.

To further solidify their commitment, representatives from Tata Steel visited Swansea Building Society’s branch on Portland Street in Swansea on 17 July 2024. During this visit, they met with managers and staff to discuss the planned support initiatives and how best to assist the Tata Steel employees.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Our hearts go out to the employees of Tata Steel and their families during this period of uncertainty. As a local building society, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for those navigating the financial implications of redundancy. Our ‘drop-in’ clinics are designed to offer assistance and peace of mind to those affected.”

Barrie Evans, Steelworker and Community Union representative, added:

“We are all really grateful for the empathy and support shown from all the team at Swansea Building Society during this very difficult and stressful period, not just for the Tata workforce, but also the contractors and the wider supply chain, during the transition to greener steelmaking in the UK. We would like to thank Swansea Building Society for the continued support and look forward to seeing you during the drop-in sessions at the Port Talbot site in the near future.”

Swansea Building Society encourages all affected Tata Steel employees to take advantage of the ‘drop-in’ clinics. These sessions will provide a supportive space to discuss the use of the Society’s range of accounts as a safe and secure home for their savings.

Business News, Community News

Swansea Building Society Sponsors Swansea City FC for 2024/25 Season

Swansea Building Society has reaffirmed its support for Swansea City Football Club with a renewed partnership for the 2024/25 season. As part of this commitment, Swansea Building Society will continue as the back of shirt sponsor, ensuring their logo features prominently on both the home and away kits.

Building on a successful four-year sponsorship deal with the Championship team, Swansea Building Society’s ongoing commitment solidifies the close ties between both organisations.

In a change to previous years, Swansea Building Society’s logo will appear slightly differently on the 2024/25 season away kit. While allowing the Society’s colours of green and white to stand proud on the home shirt, a colour change will appear on the away shirt to provide a fully immersive kit. The logo will be greyscale on the away shirt, aligning with the overall kit design and matching the new colour scheme adopted by all logos and sponsors. This change ensures a cohesive and stylish look for the team while on the road.

The partnership between Swansea Building Society and Swansea City AFC has flourished over recent years, with the Society providing valuable sponsorships to support the club’s success. Notably, the executive lounge at the Swansea.com stadium was renamed the Swansea Building Society lounge in recognition of this enduring collaboration.

Swansea Building Society has a long history of serving the South Wales area, offering a range of savings and mortgage products since its founding as a mutual in 1923. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

For over a century now, both Swansea Building Society and Swansea City AFC have played crucial roles in the fabric of Swansea’s history and growth. The Society celebrated its centenary last year, and it is 100 years since Swansea Town, as the football club was known at the time, earned its first league honour in 1924. Since then, both organisations have thrived, achieving significant milestones and contributing to the prosperity of the Swansea community.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are thrilled to renew our support as the back of shirt sponsor for Swansea City AFC for the 2024/25 season. Our longstanding partnership with the club highlights our shared dedication to the Swansea community. This year, with the new colours on the away kit, we continue to reflect our innovative spirit and commitment to the club’s success. We look forward to another exciting season and wish the team all the best on and off the field.”

Lee Merrells, Head of Partnerships at Swansea City AFC, added:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Swansea Building Society for the upcoming season. Their ongoing support is invaluable to us, and their presence on our kits exemplifies the strong bond between the club and the community. The updated colours for the away shirts not only enhance the overall design but also demonstrate our collaborative efforts to bring fresh and cohesive aesthetics to our fans. We are excited about the season ahead and the continued success of our partnership with Swansea Building Society.”

Business, Business News, Community News, Events

Emerald Tattoo Emporium opens in Pontardawe

A new, high-end tattoo studio will open its doors for the first time this weekend in Pontardawe, offering a boost to the town. 

Emerald Tattoo Emporium will open its doors in what is a well-known building in the town at 6 James Street. The site was previously the home of West Wales Gun Co, which traded from the premises from 1969 for some 50 years.

The new studio has been launched by experienced tattooist Sam Fisher and will complement his existing studio, Emerald Tattoo Company based in Talbot Green, Pontyclun.

Emerald Tattoo Emporium will hold an open day on Saturday June 8, starting at 12 noon. Anyone is welcome to pop in and chat with Sam and other artists.

Sam Fisher said:

“We are very excited to be launching a second studio in what is a thriving town in Pontardawe. When I first moved to the area a year ago, this amazing building caught my attention as a perfect location for a tattoo studio. I was lucky that it became available, and we are delighted to be launching this weekend.

“Anyone is welcome to pop by for a chat and a drink. We are happy to discuss any concepts around tattoos or art, or simply chat about the history of the building.”

Community News, Driving, Transport

Britannia Taxis supports disadvantaged youth with latest community donations

BRITANNIA Taxis, Liverpool’s leading private hire operator, is stepping up to support disadvantaged youth in the local community through the Funded by Veezu programme.

Britannia is a regional hub of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform, Veezu, and is supporting Tribe Dance School and Brins Gym to empower disadvantaged youth.

Tribe Dance School, founded in September 2023 by Becky Middleton, hosts acro, ballet, tap and commercial dance classes for children aged 2-11 alongside an adult’s dance class in Roby Community Centre, a Big Help building.

Britannia Taxis has donated £800 to fund dance classes for children from low-income households who otherwise cannot afford to attend, and sponsors one young dancer in particular to progress and attend free classes.

Becky said: “We’re so grateful to Britannia for their support, allowing children from all backgrounds to be able to participate in dance.

“I set up this school after running another class with a friend for over 10 years, before her passing last year. Lots of people reached out with fond memories and great experiences of the class, so I set up Tribe in honour of her and with the hope to help more children grow and develop. Britannia’s kind donation will ensure that nobody is left out.”

Britannia Taxis has also donated £1000 to Brins Gym, a local boxing club that works with young people at risk of antisocial behaviour. The donation will go towards the purchase of a new kit for the gym’s 50th anniversary.

In addition to its donation, Britannia sponsored the Gym’s anniversary boxing show at Rainhill Ex-Services Club which took place on April 19 and welcomed young people from across the Northwest to box against each other.

Andrew Robinson, Coach at Brins Gym and Veezu driver-partner, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Veezu for its ongoing support at such an exciting time for us. Our gym is an important place for so many people as our number one priority is to empower disadvantaged children and keep them on track.

“The best part of running the gym is witnessing how many people we have been able to welcome over the last 50 years, and the difference it has made in the community. With Veezu’s support, our event was a huge success, and the future for Brins Gym looks very bright.”

Rosanna Hynes, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager for Britannia Taxis, said: “Being a local provider, supporting our local community is at the heart of what we do. Both groups do life-changing work in supporting disadvantaged young people and have incredible stories to tell; it’s a privilege to lend our support wherever we can. We are very much looking forward to what the future holds for both these organisations.”

Business, Business News, Community News, FInance

Swansea Building Society Commemorates Successful Faith in Families Centre Renovation

Faith in Families and Swansea Building Society are pleased to announce the successful completion of the renovation project at the Faith in Families Community Cwtch in St Teilo’s Church, Portmead.
Launched in 2023 with a generous £30,000 donation from Swansea Building Society’s centenary year philanthropic initiative, the transformation includes full waterproofing, insulation, and a new roof. This enhancement allows for year-round utilisation of a significant portion of the ‘Cwtch,’ reinforcing Faith in Families’ commitment to serving the local community with childcare and essential support services.

Faith in Families, a Swansea-based charity established in 1999, operates centres in Swansea and Brecon, offering a wide range of services from childcare to lunch clubs. With a vision to build brighter futures and create a city where every child can reach their full potential, the charity plays a pivotal role in uplifting families within the community.

Swansea Building Society’s involvement with Faith in Families began back in October 2022, with a donation facilitated by its Chief Executive, Alun Williams, and Area Manager, Jane Parker. The initial donation kickstarted the renovation project and highlighted the urgent need for a new roof at the Community Cwtch.

Moved by the charity’s plight, Parker orchestrated a project team, convening a meeting with members of the local business community, who were similarly inspired by the organisation’s remarkable story and rallied to offer their assistance.

In a heartwarming display of goodwill and community solidarity, support swiftly poured in. A roof survey was undertaken, along with re-costing of repair work by a quantity surveyor, and a bat survey. Additionally, donations were made by various businesses for materials, labour and scaffolding.

The success of the renovation project would, therefore, not have been possible without the invaluable support of various partners and members of the local business community: Sam Hawking – Sam Hawking Property Lawyers; Mark Dixie – Glamorgan Services; Iestyn Evans – I & G Ecological Consulting; Nick Thomas – Greener Futures; Jason Evans – Evans Banks Planning; Paul Williams – P R Williams Ltd; Andrew Davies – Hurley and Davies; Carl Thomas – Absolute Scaffolding Wales; Jason Lewis – Spartan Scaffolding Solutions; Anthony Harrison & Scott Thornhill – Crest Ceilings and Partitions; Gethin Edwards – EBM; Steve Smith – SRS Building and Roofing Maintenance; Abby Truscott & Mike Coakley – PESS Ltd; and Ryan Miles – Miles Hire Ltd.

Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, said:

“The amazing support from Swansea Building Society, local businesses, and partners has been incredible. Their generosity has allowed us to rebuild the space, providing a warm, safe place for children and families when they need it most. This partnership shows how much we can achieve when people and businesses work together for a better future.”

Jane Parker, Area Manager at Swansea Building Society, added:

“We are incredibly proud to have been able to help facilitate the renovation of the Faith in Families Community Cwtch. At Swansea Building Society, we believe in the power of community collaboration and the importance of investing in initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Seeing the completion of this project and witnessing the positive impact it will have on the local community reaffirms our commitment to supporting worthy causes and fostering a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.”