About us - Connecting Spaces

About Connecting Spaces

Connecting Spaces Ltd is the consultancy and trading arm of Chichester Community Development Trust (registered charity).

The company was founded to empower and enable voluntary and community groups at the beginning of their asset transfer journey and support them throughout the process, including:

Feasibility Assessment
Community Consultation
Business Planning
Finding and Securing Funding
Capital Appeals
Managing and Maintaining assets

We also work with town, city, borough and county councils, delivering presentations, tours and training. The subjects we cover include working and engaging with developers, engaging resident associations and working with communities.

We take an innovative approach to buildings and land acquisition, with a successful track record in funding, delivering, and running thriving community businesses. We work with purpose-led organisations to establish projects and trading operations in the heart of their communities, safeguarding assets for future generations.

Our Services

We deliver quality sessions to suit your business or group’s needs whether that be over a half day, full day or by creating a bespoke plan for you. We work with up to 30 delegates per session and have received excellent feedback on our work. We are proud to create something that represents real value for money for our customers and any surplus made from consultancy projects is reinvested into the community we serve.

Tour and Visit – Graylingwell Park and surrounds – Chichester

On site tour of 6 community assets and businesses. Outlining the highs and lows of community asset transfer, the challenges and successes and the story so far.

£300
½ day visit for up to 10 people

Governance and Creation of a Trust

From £300
½ day visit up to 10 and follow up sessions

Business Planning

From £300
½ day visit up to 10 and follow up sessions

Online Booking Systems and Assets Management

Establishment of online booking and payment system, reporting and reconciliation reports.

From £250 per day
½ day visit up to 10 and follow up sessions

Facilities Management

The Facilities Folder – to support you set up systems for recording compliance and stator tests and checking

From £250 package

Our Team

I am proud to be able to support voluntary and community groups at the beginning of their asset transfer journey and help them throughout the process. We manage spaces on behalf of other communities and it is fantastic to be able to offer a selection of wonderful spaces to both residents and the wider community. The events & activities that go on in these spaces bring residents together, regardless of background, and creates a great community spirit.

Clare de Bathe

Director

I work in partnership with organisations to help bring their incredible projects to life. I’ve had the pleasure of working with District Councils, County Councils and City Councils, but we also connect with many independent charities and businesses. I love to work with purpose-led organisations to establish projects and trading operations in the heart of their communities, safeguarding assets for future generations.

Claire Robinson

Director

We are committed to making a positive change in the community and I am drawn to the inspirational way that each asset can be advanced and managed to ensure it provides the best opportunities for local people. In my previous role as Chief Operating Officer at UKHarvest I had the opportunity to grow and develop the charity during the pandemic. This experience enabled me to see how the commercial skills I have gained are relevant and valuable to the voluntary sector.

Liz Woodsell

Director