We help you take new projects forward
Do you have a community-based project or idea, and need advice and support or guidance on how and where to get started, or what to do next? Our team will help you to focus, get organised, and then plan a way forward that fits with your priorities and aspirations. We fill the gaps you may have in skills, knowledge, or lack of time… We help with project management and coordination, writing and supporting funding applications and with partner and stakeholder brokerage and support.
We help you identify your needs and – where needed – challenge and encourage you to make changes so that you can move forwards, establish a resilient and robust business model, and ensure that the project remains viable post-completion for years to come.
We help build capacity, resilience and sustainability in organisations, groups and new ventures. We give ideas and advice on legal structures, funding, staffing, income generation and how to keep your project up to date and relevant for the future. With over 25 years of experience in placemaking, community development and fundraising we know what it takes.
We have lived experiences of the challenges faced by groups and voluntary sector organisations and have delivered many successful projects including:
- The Pavilion, Chichester, see thepavilionchichester.com
- Graylingwell Chapel, see graylingwellchapel.com
We oversaw both these projects in their entirety, from the very start of the journey at feasibility research stage, through to acquiring the asset, finding funding, community engagement, stakeholder engagement, capital works and restoration, and ongoing operation of the business.
We match purpose-led organisations with community assets to ensure the buildings and organisations are resilient for the future.
Tour of community facilities
Securing Funding
Capital Appeals
Working with Communities
Funding and Financing our work
Working and Engaging with Developers
Consultation and Research findings
Asset Transfer
Managing Community Buildings and Land
Engaging with Residents Associations
How we work
We work with all sorts of clients, from those with “just an idea”, to others who are “nearly there but in need of some external support and advice”.
Where possible we like to break projects down into the stages listed below… you can commission our support at any point. We don’t want to scare you, but successful projects – those that reach completion – will need to go through most of, if not all, these steps.
Feasibility funding secured |
Governance Review and Audit |
Planning and Research |
Project Team Meetings |
Asset Transfer/ Leasehold arrangements underway |
Development Funding Application Submitted |
Funding Secured |
Advertise new posts and consultant roles |
Appoint Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Lead Architect, Quantity/Property Surveyor and Cost Controller, Mechanical and Engineering Consultant, Surveyors, CDM/ Advisor – Principal Designer, Structural Engineer, Conservation Advisor |
Appoint Activities Plan Consultant |
Appoint Management and Maintenance Plan Consultant |
Appoint Business Planning Consultant |
Appoint Evaluation Consultant |
Community consultation on pre app plans |
Thinking day and working with stakeholders |
Audience audit |
RIBA Stage 3 review and update |
Business planning |
Viability planning |
Activity Plan Created |
Planning submitted |
Financial forecasting and modelling |
Management and maintenance plan |
Update on surveys as required |
QS cost reports and budgets |
Open call for practitioners, licence holders and tenants |
Prepare Delivery stage (capital) Funding applications |
Planning decision |
Submit Development stage (capital) Funding applications |
Fundraising |
Secure and finalise transfer of asset |
Secure Funding |
Reports and returns to funders |
Building project detailed RIBA Stages 4-6 |
Tender for contractors |
Tender appraisals and interviews |
Contractor Procurement |
Contracts awarded and issued to Lead Architect including CDM Coordinator, Quantity Surveyor, Mechanical & Engineering Consultant and Structural Engineer |
Develop Cost Plan |
Meeting with local Authority – planning and B regs |
Mobilise team on site |
Steering Group Meetings |
Initiate delivery phase volunteer programme |
Initiate delivery consultants programme |
Recruit & train new staff |
Recruit & train new volunteers |
Fundraising |
Construction on site |
Repair & conservation work |
New building work |
Completion of building works |
Defects and snagging identified |
Audience development work undertaken following audit in development phase |
Open call for practitioners, license holders and tenants |
Volunteer Programmes |
Website Development |
Training for staff |
Training for Volunteers |
License, hires agreements and contracts signed |
Booking systems rolled out |
Evaluation and Social Impact |