Download One Ark Case Study

One Ark drives unique
business start-up concept
Collaboration on an innovative social and economic investment
programme brings measurable impact to the high street
“Our experience in
delivering projects
with both social and
economic value, coupled
with our collaborative
approach, ensured we
had the right people
involved in the project
from the start – people
that could help make
this project happen and
who shared the same
vision for supporting
entrepreneurs and new
businesses”
- Helen Wills, One Ark
The facts
●●26 applications assessed
●●6 partners co-ordinated
●●Over £23k press coverage
achieved
●●Over £90k invested
Services
●●Project Management
●●Partner Co-Ordination
●●Marketing, Branding and
Press and PR planning
●●Business Planning Support
The Challenge
Business start-up support has all but disappeared since the recession took
hold and this has contributed to an increase in empty retail units in high streets
across the country. Prescot town centre in Knowsley was no exception with a
significant decrease in shop units doing business. Despite attempts to resurrect
the shopping offer through a monthly market, the high street was struggling to
attract footfall and new and sustainable businesses which would appeal to the
high street shopper.
The community needed a business start-up idea that would bring new life to
the retail offer in Prescot whilst complementing the existing shopping units and
delivering a clear social, economic and sustainable return on investment.
What we did
One Ark called upon its extensive network of businesses, funders and partners
and, through collaborative and creative thinking, came up with the innovative ‘Win
a Shop’ competition concept The concept offers budding entrepreneurs and new
start-up businesses a unique opportunity to win a shop – rent free for a whole
year, along with a free bespoke shop refit to suit their business concept plus
business and marketing support and advice through the first year of trading.
The competition was the first of its kind in the UK and the collaborative delivery
approach was innovative, prompting huge media interest both locally and
nationally. One Ark co-ordinated the partner-based delivery and investment
programme which included various business owners from the town planning
I entered the “Win a Shop” competition because it was a once in
a lifetime opportunity; the only chance I’d have of opening my
own shop. Thanks to One Ark I opened the doors to my shop,
‘Grace Lea’ in June 2014 and haven’t looked back since. The
business is going from strength to strength, the business support
and mentoring I receive help me to develop my offer whilst
working in the business.”
- Cheryl Mullins, Grace Lea
team and CBRE - owners of shopping centre who offered the rent free unit Vivark
delivered the bespoke shop refit as part of their social value commitment and
Knowsley Chamber of Commerce delivered the business support and advice.
One Ark launched the ‘Win a Shop’ competition in October 2013, supported by
an exciting marketing campaign and shortlisted 8 new and sustainable business
ideas. After a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style assessment with a partner-led judging panel
the winner was announced: Cheryl Mullins, a local resident with an exciting
furniture upcycling concept. After mobilising the refit of the shop unit, Cheryl’s
shop opened for business on 7th June 2014 supported by a high profile launch
event for which One Ark secured local and regional media coverage.
How we added value
The marketing support which One Ark provided really added value to the success
of this project. The support included the development of the marketing collateral
for the programme, promotional support for the launch event and radio and press
coverage of the campaign.
Under One Ark’s guidance, the new shop has now been trading for 5 months
and is operating at a profit – creating employment opportunities for 2 full time
assistants and an apprentice. The business is a completely new addition to the
high street and other retailers in the area have reported an increase in sales since
Grace Lea’s opening. With an added value commitment from the new business
owner to deliver furniture upcycling workshops to long term unemployed people
from the local community and the nature of the business in itself driving more
recycling and upcycling, the impact of the project is both economic and social.
Based on the success and impact of this first project, One Ark has negotiated
a number of other exciting opportunities to deliver the project model in other
communities that are experiencing the same challenges.
One Ark is an investment charity which creates life changing opportunities
and generates growth in the communities in which we work.
Call now to find out how you or your business could invest in a project
or offer services which could support economic and social impact in a
community
One Ark is part of the First Ark
Group of companies
One Ark
Lakeview
Kings Business Park
Prescot
L34 1PJ
Tel: 0151 290 7951
[email protected]
www.one-ark.co.uk