Eight Yorkshire enterprises win year-long EY business support

Eight Yorkshire social enterprises have secured 12 months of free business support on the EY Foundation’s Accelerate programme.

Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP is leading the new initiative, which aims to further improve the business performance of social enterprises in the region and maximise their social impact.

All eight social enterprises will be allocated with an experienced business coach from across the EY Foundation network in Yorkshire, who, through regular one-to-one meetings, will offer practical guidance and advice over a 12 month period.

In addition, each entrepreneur will be offered support to enhance their company’s financial performance and operational efficiency through business coaching, workshops and networking opportunities.

The entrepreneurs will also be given the opportunity to pitch to the Accelerate Project Support Panel, which will provide the companies an opportunity to secure a business expert from across the EY Foundation network for a further six months to help them tackle a particular issue or growth area – delivering hands on support where it is needed.

Stuart Watson, EY’s Yorkshire and Humber senior partner, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the EY Foundation on such an important and positive programme. Social enterprises of all shapes and sizes do vital work here in Yorkshire to help our local communities thrive and support the regional economy by creating jobs.

“I’ve been hugely inspired by the business models of the entrepreneurs chosen for Accelerate, as well as the journeys they’ve already been on with their social enterprises. By collaborating with the EY Foundation to work with these talented and hugely innovative individuals and their businesses, we believe we can further improve their performance and increase the positive impact they are having on the lives of young people in Yorkshire.”

Below are the eight social enterprises and entrepreneurs picked for the initiative:

North Yorkshire Moors Birds of Prey - founded by Mark Allen and Mike Kinder, provides a live wildlife learning experience to educate individuals and groups about the habitat of birds of prey.

Best Futures CIC - led by Founder Dawn Best, provides nurturing provisions, alternative learning and enrichment projects in the local community for all ages. It promotes positive learning, and health and leisure activities, and is based in Aylesby, North East Lincolnshire.

Citadel Associates - a Doncaster-based social enterprise which supports people into employment through training and career support. Established in 2008, it helps a number of isolated disabled and unskilled volunteers towards real and relevant employment outcomes.

CREATIVE START - which is based in North East Lincolnshire and was founded by Sam Delaney, delivers an abstinence based peer recovery programme, using art as an integral part of the recovery model. The programme includes therapeutic discussions and breaking down barriers with the local community.

Foster Focus - works with children who have experienced being in foster care and professionals in the children’s services industry. The company provides innovative and inspirational training courses and support. The organisation, which is based in York, was founded by Luke Ridgers.

Sydney Bridge - a not-for-profit Leeds-based comapny set up to protect the environment by re-using and recycling quality furniture. The company has offered volunteer opportunities to 85 people through the Government’s mandatory work programme, with partners such as Jobcentre Plus and Interserve.

Tang Hall Smart Limited - led by Director Susan Williamson, delivers popular music and electronics/technology clubs, and activities to the local community. It also provides accredited music industry training.

The Leeds Music Hub - led by founder Katie Zezulka, is a not-for-profit open space for local music. It supports the creators and individuals who contribute to this grassroots music scene. The Hub has been operating from its base in Headingley for nearly three years, running a café, shop for local releases, music lessons and an events space.