Creating Enterprise

Over the last four years, Creating Enterprise has achieved significant growth and has quickly become a multi-award winning, internationally recognised Social Enterprise. Our turnover has grown from £400,000 in our first year to £10 million in 2020. As well as being named the fastest growing construction company in Wales and fastest growing company in North Wales, we were delighted to win the Growth Award at the NatWest Business SE100 awards. We were also named as one of the top 100 social enterprises in the UK. The organisation has recently diversified and now specialises in Modular Solutions, building timber frame homes to a Passivhaus standard across North Wales in partnership with family-run business, Beattie Passive. With an ever-growing team of over 65 colleagues across all areas of our business, we’re excited about what the future holds and how we continue to deliver our commercial activities to meet our social purpose. All our commercial profits are reinvested into employment initiatives via Creating Futures, helping tenants to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Creating Enterprise Modular Solutions Julie James AM officially opened our modular build factory - the first of its kind in North Wales. The factory, based in Holyhead, is creating energy efficient, carbon zero, quality homes. The timber panels are built in the factory and then can be erected onsite within 5-8 days. The buildings use high performance insulation, meaning the homes will require 90% less heating. We have just completed our first modular development for Anglesey County Council in Holyhead which created four much needed bungalows at social rent.

1093 properties and gardens cleared Tonnes of waste cleared: 295 211 properties painted Boilers replaced: 243 165 fences and paths replaced

46 volunteers gave 4,634 hours, supported by 24 Work Buddies 65 qualifications gained by tenants

“I feel valued as a volunteer. I don’t feel stupid when I ask for help, and I’ve proved to myself that I can do much more than I thought. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it before, I’d just never tried it. The people around you encourage you, spur you on, tell you that you can do it.”

Social Enterprise Academy Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, Lee Waters AM, officially launched Social Enterprise Academy Wales. The Academy offers innovative learning and development programmes for companies, social enterprises, public bodies and individuals across Wales. We are also part of a global learning network who deliver learning and educational programmes across the world Social Enterprise Academy Wales is operated by Creating Enterprise in partnership with Wales Cooperative Centre who will be delivering programmes in Mid and South Wales. Commercial Enterprise We have welcomed two new teams to Creating Enterprise; The Environmental Maintenance team who maintain communal gardens and green areas and our Electrical Rewire team.

Dan’s story Environmental Operative Trainee Dan successfully applied for his role through Creating Enterprise’s Creating Futures Academy which offers employment opportunities specifically for Cartrefi Conwy tenants. Trainees have the chance to gain work experience, qualifications and support from a mentor to help them get the most out of this opportunity and be able to move onto further employment. Dan said “I am passionate about all things plant related and can’t wait to get stuck into transforming people’s local environment so they can enjoy the local green areas.”

“When I started volunteering, I felt like I fitted in. I belonged somewhere. We all need a reason to get up in the morning.”

“I’m treated as an individual and constantly supported”

“I’ve had help to get people back into work, and learnt new skills”

Job search support

1,400 visited the Employment Academy 165 people supported to create or update their CV

Over 300 local people attended the Jobs Fair and other engagement events 605 application forms completed with support

97 local people

supported into jobs 22 people completed the Passport to Construction

Get Ready for Employment 33 people took part in our ‘Get Ready for Employment’ programme this year with 15 people going on to volunteering roles and 10 moving into employment. 374 soft skill sessions delivered, supporting people to improve their confidence, communication skills, time management, problem solving and teamwork skills. Paid employment 18 tenants have been employed through the Employment Academy this year. We are also working with Cartrefi Conwy’s subcontractors to provide paid employment to Cartrefi Conwy tenants. A big thank you to Brenig Construction, Andy Pitman and NWPS for taking on 5 new recruits this year!

Second Chance Furniture reuse project We opened the doors to our Second Chance Furniture Reuse project this year. Cartrefi Conwy tenants in financial crisis can now access furniture free of charge.

Case studies

Lauren’s story Lauren (Loz) came to CE when she lived in supported accommodation, she started volunteering on Reception in Mochdre and got to know the team really well. Loz makes the most of every opportunity that comes her way – during her time volunteering, she has supported the Working Families project with events and has also worked alongside the Community Involvement Team. She has also completed a number of training courses and always attends our volunteer get togethers. She is now living on her own and always encourages others to come to the Academy for support.

Jordan’s story Jordan came to Creating Enterprise with no idea where to start. After a period of unemployment and homelessness, he was committed and ready to change his life. He completed the Get Ready for Employment programme and progressed to Passport to Construction. He completed his work experience with Brenig Construction, passed his CSCS test, and when a vacancy came up with Brenig through the Employment Academy, Jordan applied and was successful.