CoRe 2017 Case Study - Bright Sparks

Bright Sparks, a re-use and recycle organisation, collect unwanted and abandoned furniture and electrical goods. It renovates and sells items through its shops or to new social housing tenants in need. It operates from a large warehouse in north Islington and has extended into two additional London boroughs.

Bright Sparks is sustained through earned income. There are three income streams: sales in its shop, spot purchase by Local Authorities and recycling of computer equipment for the European Recycling Scheme.

The project

Volunteers worked on a financial, operational and marketing review to support sustainable growth in its trading. The organisation was looking to implement processes to manage cash flow and other issues arising from its expanding business.

The project team

The Managing Director was joined by two Macquarie and two Slaughter and May volunteers.

Achievements

• Financial and business analysis and review

• Critical analysis document and presentation for the board, which included identified risks and recommendations

• Operations

• Health and safety review

• Analysis of end to end business processes documentation to share with staff

• Recruitment package

• Marketing and social media plan

• Business mentoring for Managing Director

Impact

Clear solutions to the challenges identified at the start ofthe project have been presented. Some have already been implemented including the withdrawal from a contract thatput the business at risk. Bright Sparks ran their first community event in some time, as it felt that it now has the capacity to re-engage with that programme following the work the volunteers had done. The organisation plans to follow through
on the planning and recommendations put forward by volunteers. It feels that it now has a pathway that is shared by its board.

“I feel freer – these issues are not weighing us down – they have presented solutions to our issues, we are clearer about what we need to do.”

“It has been eye opening - transformational for us.”

Volunteer profile

Louis Yeboah, Procurement Officer, Slaughter and May

1. What was your personal highlight of the programme?

Visiting the retail shop and warehouse based in Finsbury Park where we met the helpful and dedicated members of staff.

2. How did you use your skills differently?

Finding varied ways to support and contribute to the project. I now have a greater self-awareness of how versatility in your approach can benefit a team.

For more information on the full CoRe programme visit our CoRe pages. If you'd like to access CoRe for your organisation get in touch with info@thebigalliance.org.uk