In a stunning web presentation over at The Pioneer Post, Top 100 UK social enterprises revealed: NatWest SE100 2021. The top 100 includes British social enterprises that range from sustainable neighbourhoods to food that fights loneliness, to clothing brands and community cafés. Constructive Voices is covering those that relate to construction, place, community and sustainability in a series of news features.
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Bristol & Bath Regional Capital have made it onto this prestigious list by NatWest for the second year in a row. Bristol & Bath Regional Capital has a strong vision to generate and distribute financial power in ways that meet local priorities. They generate sustainable and inclusive activity which in turn maximises environmental and social prosperity.
Soon after the list was revealed on Friday afternoon 9th July, they tweeted, “#FantasticFridayNews! We’re made a place on this year’s NatWest #SE100 Index highlighting the UK’s most outstanding in #SocEnt.”
Their projects are not only around construction and employment but there is also a sports centre plus affordable counselling for everyone.
Here are two of their construction projects.
Bristol Together Project
One great project example is the Bristol Together Project. This helps to rebuild lives, making a vast difference to ex-offenders and those in the community while working in collaboration with property owners and contractors.
Full-time jobs are created for ex-offenders by beginning to use empty properties again. The Bristol Together Project works with contractors, property owners and social enterprise partners to create new jobs in the construction industry.
Ex-offenders are trained and employed in the construction industry giving them the chance to rebuild their lives. At the same time crime is reduced and empty properties are back in use again.
Elderberry Walk, Southmead
Utilising highly sustainable construction, Elderberry Walk will offer 70% of its homes at sub-market prices. A mixed community will be created by offering six different tenure types. The World Economic Forum cited Elderberry Walk as “one of the ten ways that cities around the world are tackling the global affordable housing crisis.”
Also, in 2018, Elderberry Walk was awarded the ‘Best Large Scheme in Planning’ at the National Housing Awards.
Working alongside partners Cheyne Social Property Impact Fund, United Communities Housing Association, and Bristol City Council, BBRC Homes put together an award-winning project which will deliver 161 homes for Southmead, North Bristol.
The first occupants are expected to move into their new homes in Summer 2021.
To achieve success as a social enterprise, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, use, “civic led, commercially innovative investment to address systemic inequalities in our region. We believe that an inclusive local economy just works better. When everyone plays their part, our regional economy will be more creative, resilient, and vibrant. We’re working to be the driving force behind this change.”
