I am on a roll and back to blogging, it feels great, and I have missed it! Have you ever thought of being on a board or trustee of a social sector organisation and then thought what skills have I got to offer? I am not from the commercial world, and I will not be able to contribute. I am here to tell you that you are wrong.

Being a board member of a Community Interest Company (CIC) comes with a unique blend of responsibility, influence, and the opportunity to create real social impact. Think of a board as a complete recipe for a dish, with all board members/trustees having one ingredient, some may have two or three ingredients  but without all the ingredients what you are trying to make is not going to be good or at worst a disaster. I am going to focus on a Community Interest Company (CIC) as that’s what I run, but this applies to charities and all the other legal frameworks possible in the social sector.

 Here is why it’s a great role to take on, and why everyone’s skill set is of value.

• Driving Positive Change – CICs exist to serve the community, and as a board member, you help shape their mission and ensure their work continues to benefit society.

• Strategic Leadership – You play a key role in guiding the direction of the company, helping to make important decisions that affect its future.

• Personal & Professional Growth – The experience can sharpen your leadership, governance, and decision-making skills while broadening your professional network.

• Community Engagement – You get to connect with, and support causes that matter, making a tangible difference in people’s lives in areas that you find interesting.

• Credibility & Recognition – Being a board member demonstrates expertise, commitment to social good, and leadership ability—valuable for career progression.

It’s a role that combines purpose and business acumen while putting your skills to work for the greater good and a chance to provide positive change to an organisation.

I am not going to deny that being a board member of a Community Interest Company (CIC) is rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, and it is only fair to give the facts and some of the harsh realities the social sector is facing.

It is a constant juggling act balancing Social Impact with Financial Sustainability – CICs need to prioritise their social mission while also ensuring financial stability, which can be tricky and is a very competitive market for funding.

• Governance & Compliance – CICs must adhere to specific legal and regulatory requirements, and board members must ensure that the person they delegate these responsibilities to is up to the task and on top of the paperwork. In our case at the BEC this falls to me to ensure that we remain compliant through delegated authority to manage the business on the Directors behalf.

• Funding & Revenue Generation – Securing funding is tough, especially when relying on grants, donations, or income-generating activities that support the community and your mission in such a way that you can continue to make an impact in your area of work.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations – Balancing the needs and priorities of different stakeholders—such as funders, employees, volunteers, and the community—can be complex.

• Operational & Strategic Challenges – Making strategic decisions that align with both business principles and community interests requires careful planning and the board is constantly horizon scanning to ensure the organisation delivers its purpose within the financial envelope it must deliver.

Well, if you have read this far and you are interested in finding out more, I would be happy to chat as we are currently recruiting for three new Directors to help steer the BEC for the next three years. We are particularly keen to ensure our Board is representative of our communities in the borough and we would welcome and encourage contributions from individuals with protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in helping us create a more inclusive and representative environment. So even if you didn’t work for a corporate bank or run a company, please do not think this is not for you!

You can find out more by using the link below. Note that we have extended applications to end July.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/barking-enterprise-centres_bec-barking-dagenham-activity-7331257713248669697-o-_P?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAITgVgBiWPaXxjS98yudmqUQxea22_DRJw

The phrase "deep social value" refers to the profound and lasting impact that an idea, action, organisation, or system has on the well-being, cohesion, and progress of society. It goes beyond surface-level benefits or short-term gains and touches on the core of what helps communities thrive over time. It goes way beyond corporate volunteering days to paint community centres as valuable as they are!

In an era where economic success often overshadows ethical impact, social value emerges as a quiet revolution. It is more than corporate social responsibility or government initiatives—it is the essence of how communities thrive, how businesses redefine purpose, and how individuals shape a more just society.

The Evolution of Social Value

Social value was once a secondary consideration, a charitable checkbox rather than a fundamental pillar of decision-making. Today, it is integral to procurement policies, business strategies, and everyday actions. Governments worldwide and important locally our council now demand measurable contributions to social impact from corporations, with environmental responsibility, fair wages, and community investment becoming non-negotiables and a high-ranking mark on commissioning papers supports this work.

Beyond Compliance—A Moral Imperative

While laws and policies push organisations to act responsibly, the true essence of social value extends beyond compliance. It is found in the decisions made when no one is watching—the ethical sourcing of materials, the conscious effort to uplift marginalised communities, the pursuit of sustainability not for financial incentives but for future generations.

Social value is not reserved for institutions and policymakers—it lives in the daily choices of individuals. Supporting ethical brands, reducing waste, engaging in activism, or simply fostering inclusivity in our personal and professional spaces are all acts that contribute to the collective good. In an interconnected world, these ripples form waves, shaping the economic and social landscapes of tomorrow.

To embed this in the DNA of what we do, we do need to go deeper than a cursory nod to social value. ‘Deep’ social value is multi-dimensional with many layers and cuts across many themes to bring lasting change to communities. Here are some of the ways it can impact when done well and meaningfully.

1. Empowerment and Equity

Promotes fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity and supports the uplift of marginalised or underserved communities.

2. Sustainability

Encourages and supports responsible use of resources leading to long-term environmental impact as well as improved economic wellbeing and social health.

3. Trust and Social Cohesion

Social value done well builds strong, trusting relationships within and between communities and encourages civic engagement and mutual support, the phrase better together springs to mind.

4. Cultural and Ethical Enrichment

Supports, preserves, and celebrates cultural identity, heritage and diversity and builds community tolerance through ethical behaviour and shared values.

5. Resilience and Adaptability

In our ever-changing society deep, social value helps communities adapt to change and build resilience and recover from adversity, it encourages innovation that supports the common good.

The Future of Social Value

As the world grapples with inequality, environmental crises, and shifting economic landscapes, social value stands as a guiding principle. The challenge now is not whether businesses, governments, and individuals will embrace it, but how deeply they will integrate it into their DNA. Will social value remain a metric, or will it evolve into a universal standard of accountability and compassion?

The Barking and Dagenham approach to social value

Several organisations including the BEC  have been working on this for some months about how we move social value deeper, to have a more meaningful impact for our communities. We are building a community of givers as well as receivers and we have a dedicated linked in group in its infancy but worthwhile none the less.

We are hosting a series of events the next one is the 1^{st of} July you can register here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strengthening-social-value-in-barking-and-dagenham-tickets-1376207045319

Firstly, my apologies I haven’t blogged for ages, the truth is we have been flat out at the BEC with all sorts of issues and projects on the go. None have been more challenging than Heath Park Community Centre it is fair to say!

Last year through the work of the BD Collective the BEC along with other organisations Trye Cadence CIC and the Independent Living Agency formed a consortium to take on the management of Heath Park Community Centre. If you are not sure where Heath Park is, it is a ward in Dagenham (near Morrisons) and is home to around 9,000 people. Heath Park has lots of challenges in terms of deprivation and access to opportunities as it is not in central location like Barking Town Centre or the Heathway and has a diverse population.

The building was extremely run down, the roof was leaking profusely, the main hall had no source of heating, there were bare wires everywhere and none of the building compliance issues had been managed. So, no water testing, or fire extinguishers had been checked etc, etc, etc. It is fair to say it has taken a while to get the building useable on a regular basis. Even on Saturday at our community day, we discovered it was pouring with rain both outside and inside the building; so more work still to be done 😊

It is not all doom and gloom we have met some fabulous people who are really committed to making the community centre a destination place in the area and we are grateful for their continued support. This includes older residents we have met who are isolated and lonely and seeking valuable connections in their area as well as young people who are lacking things to do in the area that do not cost a lot of money. Last Saturday we held a community engagement day, and we again met lovely people as well as getting to work with some amazing volunteers who came and supported working with young people, providing yoga and of course manning the teas and coffees.

We have learnt a lot, especially about running this type of building, if you remember buildings are our bread and butter with three workspaces but running a community centre has its own set of challenges.

Below is a snapshot of our learning to date:

Funding and financial stability

One of the biggest hurdles is securing enough funding to keep the centre running smoothly. Most community centres rely on grants, donations and council funding which given the councils challenges has not been possible. We have met organisations and residents who want to use the spaces we are creating for free, however there is no such thing as free space! It costs the consortium to heat the building, arrange for a caretaker and a cleaner, insurance, and repairs and maintenance and so the concept of free space is not something we can accommodate on a regular basis. However, we have made it very affordable as part of our commitment. It has been a challenge to educate people to this reality and is very much work in progress.

Staffing and volunteers

Community centres often depend on volunteers to support them and so we are actively recruiting volunteers to support the work as well as providing staff from all the organisations involved as much as possible. We are very grateful to all those who have helped to date.

Facilities maintenance and infrastructure

Do not be fooled maintaining buildings that are functional, pleasing on the eye and safe are a costly business but we are committed to making improvements we know that the residents and organisations deserve high quality spaces, and we want quality services and activities to run from the building.

Adapting to Social Changes

The needs of any community evolve over time. Issues like social isolation, mental health and digital inclusion have become more prominent. To stay relevant, we must adapt our programmes and offer to meet the needs of people and find innovative ways of doing more for less.

Despite all these challenges we are committed to delivering a well-run community centre as a force for good – creating connections, fostering support, and bringing positive change.

If you think you can help us with advice or support either as an individual or a group, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us on heathparkconsortium@gmail.com

We are hosting a business breakfast event at the space on Thursday 26^th June you can sign up below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-business-networking-breakfast-at-heath-park-tickets-1407036286409?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are faith or community organisation and you would like to come and meet with us to discuss all things community then you can join us for lunch on Thursday 26^th June between 12 and 2pm link below

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-leaders-lunch-at-heath-park-tickets-1407040529099?aff=oddtdtcreator

For Vivian Ebillah, founder of Nomie’s Kitchen, food isn’t just business, it’s memory, community, and love passed down through generations. Born and raised in Nigeria in a large family of five siblings, Vivian’s earliest memories are steeped in the scent of spices, the clatter of pots, and the warmth of shared meals.

“Every Christmas, we’d host the entire village,” she recalls. “My dad loved hosting, and we all cooked together. It was a community thing, neighbours would join, and we’d share food. That’s where my love for cooking was born.”

Today, Vivian runs Nomie’s Kitchen, a thriving Nigerian catering business in Barking and Dagenham. Her journey to success was not without years of hard work and dedication. It started slowly, from school tuck shops to university halls, and really took off during the pandemic.

From Port Harcourt to the UK

Vivian left Nigeria after secondary school to pursue higher education in the UK.

“I studied chemical engineering at Manchester University,” she says, laughing at how far life has shifted since then. “In my halls, I was known as the girl you could come to for food. We’d cook together, share stories, and just feel at home.”

As one of the few Black girls in her residence, food became her way of building connection and celebrating culture. Nomie’s Kitchen started in a shared student kitchen, not a boardroom, just home-cooked meals, shared pots, and plenty of laughter.

After completing her studies, she worked full-time, even completing a master’s degree at the University of Surrey, all while running Nomie’s Kitchen as a weekend hustle, cooking for church, friends’ birthdays, and filling pastry orders.

“I was so shy back then,” she admits. “People would walk up and just take the meat pies, and I wouldn’t have the courage to say, ‘That’s for sale!’” But over time, she learned to be bold, especially as a woman in business. “You have to speak up. You have to negotiate. I’m still learning, but I’ve come a long way.”

How she joined Amplify

Though Vivian has lived in Barking for nearly a decade, she hadn’t reached out to the local council, until a persistent friend nudged her into it. “I’m naturally reserved,” she says. “I’d heard of Barking Enterprise Centre, even told others about it, but had never stepped foot inside.” That changed when she started exploring the idea of opening a restaurant. A friend-turned-consultant physically took her to the council building, where she met members of council like Joanna, Tess and Ella. They told me of the Good Food Charter and the  Amplify Programme for small businesses in Barking and Dagenham. On the Networking event to launch the Amplify Programme, Jo introduced me to Karen from the BEC and her team.

It took a bit of convincing. “I remember thinking, 'Another programme? Another person?'” she laughs. “But I signed up and it opened up a world I didn’t know existed.”

Growth, grants, and gratitude

Through Amplify, Vivian met a network of mentors who guided her through everything from social media strategy to financial planning and sustainability in food. One session in particular stood out, a class on sustainable food systems.

“I studied chemical engineering, so waste management and sustainability are huge for me,” she says. “This session broke it all down. Not just buzzwords, but real insights, for example where ingredients are truly sourced from and what local really means.”

Vivian also received individual mentorship, including a transformative session on financial projections. “I had all the numbers in my head, but to have someone sit down with me and go through it, help me see what I could afford, it was invaluable.”

But perhaps the biggest turning point came when she received a grant through the Amplify Programme. “They didn’t just say they believed in my business, they showed it. That changed everything for me.” With that grant, Vivian purchased some sustainable packaging and equipment, including a commercial fridge, air fryer, and health grill. These “investments” helped us on our journey to being more sustainable and reducing waste, earning us the "Good Food Enterprise Charter Digital Badge".

A standout moment

Vivian’s standout moment came unexpectedly. After months of steady growth, her home kitchen couldn’t keep up with the demand and there was a clear need to expand. She reached out to the council and the BEC, and within days, was offered a space in a community centre in Dagenham.  “It felt like sending my baby off to university,” she says. “There was fear, but also pride. The business was ready.” The timing was perfect, and the location, just right. “It was scary,” she says. “No more hiding. Real bills. Real responsibility. But the support from BEC gave me the courage to do it.”

When additional funds were needed to fit out the space, installing an extractor fan, sinks, proper shelving, BEC advocated on her behalf again, securing a second grant. “That was a miracle,” she says. “Karen at BEC is a godsend. I’ll keep thanking her no matter how many times she tells me to stop.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To anyone considering joining or working with BEC, Vivian’s message is clear: go for it. “What’s the worst that could happen? You try, you learn. Even if you don’t get a grant, the connections and confidence you gain are priceless. I’ve met my kitchen engineer, my delivery van movers, and other small business owners through the programme. That network is worth everything.”

Vivian’s growth hasn’t just been professional, it’s been personal. “As a woman, specifically as a Black woman in business, I’ve been told I need a man beside me to take things to the next level. But the support I’ve received shows me otherwise. I can do this. And not just do it, I can thrive.”

A kitchen of culture and heart

Today, Nomie’s Kitchen continues to bring the taste of West Africa to East London, serving up the best in meat pies, jollof rice, grilled chicken, puff-puffs, and more. But beyond the food, it’s about that feeling: of home, of being seen, of being nourished in more ways than one.

“There’s this scene from the sitcom “Friends”, where Phoebe hosts her friends and just wants everyone to eat and have a good time,” Vivian says with a smile. “That’s me. You don’t even have to talk to me, just sit down and eat. That makes me happy.”

And with Nomie’s Kitchen, she’s built more than just a business. She’s built a table, one that’s growing longer by the day, and always has space for one more seat.

Starting a business often begins with a spark, an idea, a need, or a memory that just won’t let go. For Khadijat Fashola, founder of JHU Cleaning Services, that spark was ignited years ago on the streets of Nigeria. “I wasn’t born in Barking and Dagenham,” she shares, “but my journey has brought me here to build something close to my heart.”

Originally from Nigeria, Khadijat studied accounting in Lagos. Her early professional experience included internships with prestigious companies like Treasury House and Total Energies. But while those opportunities were invaluable, they didn’t reflect what truly lit her up inside. “I found my real passion lay in seeing clean, healthy spaces and environments,” she says. And that passion is rooted in lived experience.

Growing up in a Malaria-stricken area, Khadijat witnessed how a clean environment could significantly transform a community’s health. Monthly volunteer cleaning days weren’t just about aesthetics, they were about saving lives, reducing infection, and building pride in the spaces people called home. “I saw how cleaning could educate, unite, and heal,” she explains. “It’s not just tidying up, it’s caring for a community.” That ethos is at the heart of JHU Cleaning Services, a business she’s built in London that offers builders' cleans, sparkle cleans, pre/post-tenancy cleaning, communal area maintenance, and more. “Every space we clean, we do so with purpose,” she says. “Because cleanliness impacts people’s lives more than they realise.”

Finding Amplify 

Khadijat first discovered the Amplify Programme and Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC) in an unlikely place, Eventbrite. Browsing for SME events in the borough, she came across a listing that piqued her curiosity. “I grabbed a ticket, but honestly? I was sceptical. So many programmes promise support but fall short. This one didn’t.”

That event became a pivotal chapter in her journey. She met Shanice Bako, and Natalia Nicholson, members of the Amplify team whose support went far beyond the basics. “They were incredible,” she says, “and the programme quickly became a space where I could ask questions, gain insight, and, most importantly, feel understood.”

Overcoming hurdles, one lesson at a time

Before Amplify, Khadijat admits she felt overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of scaling her business. Navigating procurement processes, pitching to larger clients, and understanding licences and certifications, all felt daunting. But with guidance from her mentor throughout the programme, Khadijat began building the knowledge and confidence she needed. “He helped me break it all down. Suddenly, things that once felt complicated started to feel achievable.” Networking was another game-changer. Through the programme, she connected with professionals who offered best practices and real-world advice for sustainable growth. “It’s one thing to Google something,” she laughs, “but it’s another to hear it from someone who’s lived it.”

A standout moment of empowerment

Among many meaningful moments, one stands out: preparing for a pitch-to-win event with industry leaders. A combination of steady encouragement and practical tips helped Khadijat feel ready to take the stage. Meanwhile, Shanice worked behind the scenes to make sure Khadijat didn’t miss a beat, even with a packed schedule. Together, their support reminded her that her voice matters. “As a woman, and as someone from a global majority background, there are moments when you doubt your place. This experience reaffirmed that my perspective is valuable, and my business belongs in those rooms.”

A community worth joining

Reflecting on the programme, Khadijat’s favourite part has been the sense of community it creates. “It’s more than just business support, it’s people who get it. People who see you.” She’s also been inspired by how seriously the council is taking the growth of local SMEs. “Their commitment gives me hope. It tells me that I’m not building alone.”

Her advice to others? Just start.

“For anyone considering Amplify, my advice is simple: dive in. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t be put off by a busy schedule. This programme meets you where you are and helps you grow.” For Khadijat, it wasn’t just about receiving support, it was about finding belonging in a business journey that often feels isolating.

“If you care about your community, if you want to build something meaningful—this is your space. It’s where ideas grow, confidence grows, and you grow personally.” From the streets of Lagos to the boroughs of London, Khadijat Fashola is proof that with passion, support, and a little courage, we can clean up more than just buildings, we can clean up self-doubt, fear, and barriers, too.

Well technically our main event supported by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is not till 3^rd April, for a good reason I hasten to add. We here at the BEC are committed to equality and so we wanted to wait till our colleagues had finished fasting and Eid celebrations have been concluded.

Love it or hate it (it is a personal choice) events specifically designed for women have become powerful platforms for networking, skill development, and community building. Whether you're looking to attend, host, or simply learn more about these gatherings, here's a look at why women-focused events matter and how they're making a difference.

 Why Women-Focused Events Matter

Women-focused events create safe spaces where participants can discuss unique challenges, share experiences, and form meaningful connections. In our experience here at the BEC,  women are more forthcoming in discussing the challenges they face in starting or running a business. There is no denying that events like this help address gender gaps in various industries by:

• Providing mentorship opportunities with successful women leaders
• Creating networks that support professional advancement.
• Offering skill-building workshops tailored to women's needs.
• Celebrating achievements that might otherwise go unrecognised.
• Fostering conversations about gender-specific challenges and solutions

Womens events come in all shapes and sizes and believe me in my ten years at the BEC we have been to some shockers. We have concluded that there is fine line in celebrating women in business and the flip side is a very tokenistic, toe curling, celebration of being a woman which makes people feel uncomfortable and comes across as all men are terrible! Well, it does for myself and my Operations Director 😊

Womens events can take the shape of informal networking events they create opportunities for women to connect in relaxed settings. When starting out be mindful that some of these women networking events come with a hefty price tag ranging from £25 to around £70 per session. A decent brunch or lunch is included but it is worth evaluating what you will get from these before joining as a regular attender. Our events here at the BEC formal or informal are free and will always be free to support businesses male or female.

A fairly new concept which is gaining in popularity is wellness and personal development retreats focusing on wellness, leadership, and personal growth which offer women space for reflection, self-care, and holistic development away from daily pressures and responsibilities.

Some of them look fabulous who wouldn’t want a retreat in Portugal for 5 days but again they can come with a high price and so weigh up the pros and cons.

Skill-Building Workshop, or hands-on workshops focused on specific skills—from coding and public speaking to financial literacy and negotiation—help women develop expertise in areas where they may have had limited access to training. Of course, they also offer networking opportunities and a chance to meet like minded women in business.

Lastly there are of course professional conferences which are normally industry specific and offer the opportunity to bring new founders, and industry leaders to share insights, research, and career advice. These events typically feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions.

We would like to think that our two events on Thursday 3^rd April and Thursday 10^th April are offering a pick and mix of all the above. 

Our business conference on 3^rd April Power Forward:  Women Transforming Business

‘In celebration of women’s empowerment month, yes, we know we are late! But we intentionally scheduled to ensure our entire community could participate! ‘

We are hosting a women’s business conference and are delighted to be joined by Cllr Ashraf Deputy Leader of the Council and Cllr Sade Bright Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Enterprise.

We are delighted to have a keynote speech from Gilly Tobin a Director from Altair a leading construction consultancy who will talk about her journey as a woman in Construction.

We also have two fabulous workshops, a mental health literacy workshop and a brand story workshop you can choose on the day.

Find more information for this event here.

On Thursday 10^th April we are hosting a Women in Care networking event as part of our Amplify programme funded by London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and UKSPF.  You can find the link here.

It is clear women-focused events continue to evolve as powerful catalysts for change, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the events themselves. By bringing women together to share knowledge, build skills, and form connections, these gatherings are helping reshape industries and communities to be more equitable and inclusive.

PS. Before I get a barrage of comments men are always invited and welcomed!

Starting a community-focused initiative is never easy, and for Valeria Giannuzzi, the journey of founding The Magic Stock was no exception. As a chartered psychologist and researcher in social sciences with a specialisation in migration studies, Valeria saw gaps in mental health services—particularly in how they catered to culturally diverse communities. Determined to bridge this divide, she launched The Magic Stock just over a year ago, in December 2023.

“The idea is to provide mental health services at a community level in a way that is culturally sensitive, as well as multilingually and multiculturally,” Valeria explains. “It means that we wouldn't just provide mental health support in your language, but also in a way that understands all the differences that come with having a different background, a different culture, a different faith.” 

Her vision stemmed from a clear need: while the NHS offers invaluable mental health services, mainstream options like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) don’t always suit everyone. “CBT is widely used,” she says, “but it doesn’t work for everyone, right? Some populations don’t access services, not because they don’t need them, but because they feel they won’t be helpful for them. So what I’m trying to do is build a connection between these communities and also offer an alternative, should this not be the right support for any reasons.”

Overcoming Challenges with the support of BEC

Launching The Magic Stock wasn’t without its obstacles. Like many social entrepreneurs, Valeria encountered practical challenges—figuring out funding, structuring the organisation, and handling operational logistics. This is where the Barking Enterprise Centre and the Building Bridges Programme came in.

“The BEC has a wealth of experience,” she shares. “They know what’s happening in Northeast London, what’s coming next, what the Boroughs are prioritising. That kind of insight is invaluable.” Beyond local knowledge, the BEC provided her with technical expertise she didn’t realise she needed.

“For example, I learnt that to access certain types of funding, you need a board of at least three directors,” Valeria recalls. “And how do you price yourself? How do you do payroll? These are things you don’t think about unless you’ve had business experience.”

Mentorship 

Mentorship played a crucial role in helping Valeria navigate these hurdles. Her sessions with Karen, CEO of the BEC, became a cornerstone of her journey.

“What I really appreciate—and please make sure this is on record—is that Karen has a can-do attitude. She’s very optimistic. At times, when I've been overwhelmed and struggling to find a solution, I would reach out to her and she'd say, ‘Okay, so this can be done. Here’s how.’”

Crucially, Karen didn’t just hand Valeria the answers. “That’s what a mentor does,” Valeria reflects. “They don’t solve the problem for you, but they give you the tools and space to figure it out.”

Taking the First Step

Reflecting on her experience, Valeria wholeheartedly recommends the BEC to aspiring entrepreneurs.

“I understand that there are so many barriers to starting your own project,” she acknowledges. “For me, it was possible because I received a grant that allowed me to leave my full-time job and dedicate myself to this. But I know that for many people, financial constraints are real.”

Her advice? Start small.

“If you’re passionate about something, treat it like a passion project. If you can make time for the gym or other activities, you can dedicate a few hours a week to your project. It doesn’t have to be huge. Build, little by little, and see how it grows. If, after a while, you’re still excited about it, then getting support from the BEC can help you realise how viable it really is.”

For anyone hesitating to reach out for mentorship, she offers this final encouragement:

“You don’t have much to lose—only a dream if you don’t try. It takes time and effort, but happiness, satisfaction, and fulfilment are on the other side of fear. Just take that leap of faith. You don’t have to risk your full-time job. You just have to put in the work.”

Valeria’s journey with The Magic Stock is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the right support network. For those with a vision but unsure where to start, the BEC might just be the perfect place to begin.

Well January came and went, and I can honestly say I don’t know whether it was lack of time, or lost mojo or a combination of both but January has passed without me writing a single blog. This has played on my mind to be honest as it is something I do enjoy but sadly last month it did not happen. If I think back to December, it was equally a bit of a challenge too! It felt more like a chore than an enjoyable task, and I blamed it on the famous ‘it felt like a really long year’.

However,  I am back in February and already working on the themes for this year, of course February is a very special month not just Galantine’s and Valentines but also the BEC’s Birthday on 28^th February, a whole nine years of supporting small businesses; I can’ t believe it has been that long and still so much to do.

Here are some of the things I intend to do, to rekindle my blogging mojo and change things up so its enjoyable again.

1. Change my environment

I have the luxury of being able to work from home, and other places so I am going to try writing from a café or a park. At home I have decluttered the office and got rid of all the covid related files into storage, and like a lot of us I am looking forward to the warmer weather and getting outside to write and walk of course. 

2. I am going to give new content formats a try and write a series of how to guides which I hope our audience will find useful, and I am already recording audio notes to assist me with this. Please do let me know what you think.

3. Refilling my creative tank – I am going to make time to read other people’s blogs from different industries and use some of the conversations I have with interesting people as content, whilst safeguarding their anonymity, of course.  A friend and I recently started a walking group which I hope will help develop new content on our travels.

4.  I am going to adjust my routine and try writing at a different time of day, and set myself smaller achievable goals, so I feel less like I have failed when it doesn’t pour off the page. A friend suggested the pomodoro technique (which is not a tomato sauce, sadly 😊).

 The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that breaks work into 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. The goal is to help people work more efficiently by focusing on one task at a time and taking breaks to maintain focus.

I am also going to give myself permission to take a short break if I need it, to not worry if its not perfect and to have more faith in what I am doing.

If there are any subjects you would like covered or indeed you want to guest blog then please do reach out to us here at the BEC.