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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