Passing the Baton - Ten Years of Growth and Governance with Kevin Harris

When you look at the Barking Enterprise Centre today, you will see a thriving, multi-site community interest company that has supported hundreds of local businesses over the years. However, it is important to remember that none of the success happened by accident. Behind the bustling offices and the success stories is a foundation of careful governance, strategic vision, and dedicated leadership.

As we celebrate our tenth anniversary, we dived into the backstory with Kevin Harris, the BEC’s outgoing Chair of the Board. Kevin joined the board in the summer of 2015 and has served as Chair for the last four years. As he prepares to hand over the baton, his reflections offer a unique perspective on how the BEC has evolved from what was a fledgling project into a now cornerstone of the borough.

The timing was just right

Kevin’s journey with the BEC started while he was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community outside of his day job. At the time, he was working as a director at a Housing Association focused on a large estate regeneration project in Barking Town Centre. The opportunity to join the BEC board felt like the perfect fit; a chance to contribute to the area’s economic development in a meaningful, hands-on way.

When he joined, the BEC was still very much in its infancy. It had a narrow but well-defined offer, and the focus was on building a platform, growing, and responding to new opportunities whilst staying true to its local roots.

The evolution of an anchor institution

Fast forward ten years and the reality is that the BEC has continuously diversified to survive through major challenges and remain thriving. Kevin highlights that the organisation’s approach has always been to evolve in response to the outside world, expanding its support services, products, and even its geographical reach by doing so. Today, the BEC receives prospects from outside the borough, with many seeking assistance with programmes and a blueprint to reimagine vacant premises.

But growth never meant losing sight of the BEC mission. Kevin emphasises that the board has always been careful to remember the BEC's raison d'être. When opportunities arise, the first question is always: "Is this us? Does this sit within who we are and what we stand for?" This ability to adapt whilst remaining grounded in its origins has been central to the BEC becoming a thriving pinnacle for community growth.

There is power in partnership

A recurring theme in our anniversary reflections is the importance of partnership. Kevin’s perspective highlights just how crucial this has been for the growth of the community. He points out that the relationship with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is multifaceted; they are a stakeholder, a non-financial investor, a landlord, and the local authority.

The BEC is fortunate to have a supportive and accessible local authority partner that genuinely understands the importance of economic development. On reflection of his own experience working on regeneration projects, Kevin notes that true regeneration is about more than just building homes; it’s about providing the infrastructure, connections, and support that a community needs to prosper. The council's vision and ongoing support have been vital to the BEC's journey.

A collective voice for local entrepreneurs

When asked about the BEC's main impact, Kevin’s answer is clear: the BEC is an advocate for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. It gives them a collective voice. Whether hosting events or speaking on panels, the BEC seizes every opportunity possible to remind people of the vital role that small businesses play in the economic development and financial mobility of the borough.

This advocacy is more important now than ever. Post-COVID, the needs of the community have changed, with a greater demand for flexibility from members. The BEC has had to pivot with that reality, and balance the need to be as supportive as possible with the commercial reality of running a sustainable community interest company. Every penny of surplus is reinvested back into the services and programmes that support the community.

Looking to the future

As Kevin looks ahead to the next ten years, he feels optimistic about the borough's future. Having worked across various London boroughs, he says that Barking and Dagenham have been at the forefront of innovative regeneration, executing its vision with a speed and clarity that is truly impressive. The transformation of the skyline over the last decade is one such testament to great leadership.

As he prepares to step down, his advice to his successor is simple but profound: be open-minded, be inquisitive, and be willing to offer a friendly challenge. But above all else, he says, have fun and enjoy working with a really passionate, hardworking team.

The BEC team is incredibly grateful for Kevin’s dedication, wisdom, and leadership over the last decade. He leaves behind a strong, resilient organisation that is ready to embrace the next ten years of community-powered enterprise. Thank you, Kevin, for being an integral part and helping to build the BEC family.

If you’re interested in applying for the role of Board Chair please reach out to us for application details.

A Pivot with Purpose: Karen on Ten Years Of Impact at Barking Enterprise Centre


It’s been ten years since our CEO, Karen, arrived at the Barking Enterprise Centre for what was meant to be a six-week secondment. We’re glad to say she never left. A temporary assignment blossomed into a decade-long mission to transform a council-run building into the thriving, independent community hub it is today.

Karen’s  journey is in many ways, the story of the BEC itself: a story of survival, adaptation, and unwavering purpose. As we celebrate our tenth anniversary with the theme Ten Years Of Impact, we sat down with Karen to reflect  on the pivotal moments and core philosophies that have shaped this incredible decade.

It started with a leap of Faith

Rewind to 2015, the BEC was a very different place than it is today. A council-run entity, facing dwindling budgets and an uncertain future. Occupancy was low, and its purpose wasn’t clear to the wider community. The spark for change, Karen explains, came from a simple question: what could we do differently if we had autonomy?

The answer resulted in her taking a large leap of faith. The transformation to  a Community Interest Company (CIC), meant the BEC could access funding streams previously unavailable to the council and operate with the agility of a small business. It was a power move designed to give the centre its own legs and maximise the support it could offer to entrepreneurs in the borough.

All this happened as Barking and Dagenham was in an era of grappling with its own identity. In an era that saw  the decline of local manufacturing, the borough emerged as a space reinventing itself, with the need for a major push for regeneration. The newly independent BEC leaned into these needs, carving out a role as a key partner to support the ecosystem of small, local businesses that are the backbone of any community.

We found our feet  (and our voice)

Becoming independent was no easy process. It took time to build a new identity, one that was neither a traditional council service nor a commercial co-working space. It was something in between, a gap that needed to be filled, and with community at its heart. This new season meant navigating new challenges, like helping people understand that while the BEC’s advice was free to access, it wasn’t free to deliver, and we discovered the balance needed to achieve a work space that would serve community needs.

This also meant building a new, healthier relationship with the local authority. Karen recalls being warned not to “bite the hand that feeds you,” but she also knew that asking tough questions and offering constructive challenges was an essential ingredient for the betterment of the borough. She approached this with the spirit and mindset to become a true partner, and not just a recipient of support.

Survival is an art: our pivot had to have purpose

If one lesson defines the BEC’s ten-year journey, it’s the need to adapt. “If the BEC was still doing what it was doing ten years ago,” Karen states plainly, “it wouldn’t be here.” Survival has depended on the ability to pivot as the community has evolved.

This philosophy is woven into everything the BEC does. It’s in the big things, like the creation of the Amplify programme, which was created from lessons learned supporting retail and hospitality businesses to get back on their feet after the pandemic.

“We realised that one-to-one, tailored support was what our community truly needed, and that became our model.”

It’s not just the big stuff that matters, it’s also in the small things. Karen gives a simple but powerful example: “The original building had tiny hand basins in the toilets. As our community grew and changed, we recognised that people needed proper facilities to wash before prayer. A tiny basin just wouldn’t do. Being able to listen to feedback and respond to the evolving needs of our members;from the physical layout of the building to the programmes we offer, has been the key to our longevity.”

A team that feels like family

Through every challenge faced, one thing has remained constant: the team. The stability of the leadership, with Karen and BEC Operations Director, Donna, forming an “unbreakable bond,” has been the bedrock of the organisation's success. It has fostered a level of trust that permeates the entire organisation.

Donna calls it the “BEC family,” and this sentiment extends beyond the staff to our members and the businesses we support. BEC is a place where, even after years have passed, entrepreneurs know they can pick up the phone and find a helping hand. It was this spirit that saw the team through the darkest days of the pandemic, working from 7 am to 10 pm to get vital support out to businesses facing an unprecedented crisis.

Karen’s journey with the BEC reminds us that walking through a door can change the trajectory of your life, your growth and your success. From a six-week assignment ten years ago BEC became a decade-long mission she’s still on. Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that true community building isn’t about grand plans; it’s about listening, adapting, and having the courage to pivot for a purpose. Sometimes it's just about walking through the door, and being open to an opportunity. Today, we celebrate this thriving community.

Barking Enterprise Centre CIC

Year in Review 2025 — A Story of Courage, Community, and New Beginnings

2025 began quietly at first — the kind of quiet that comes just before something shifts. In the early days of January, the realisation the covid was five years ago!  the lights flicked on across our workspaces as founders, dreamers, and doers stepped back into their routines. Some carried notebooks full of plans, others carried worries, most carried both.

But all of them walked through our doors with the same spark: hope, and that spark became the heartbeat of our year, hope for a better year in business.

Where Ideas Found Their Voice

Every year at BEC has its own rhythm, but 2025 felt different. It felt like a rising tide, we watched people arrive with ideas they weren’t sure were “good enough,” only to see those ideas grow into brands, services, and stories that mattered. We saw first‑time founders take the stage at our events, hands trembling at first, then steadying as the room leaned in to listen.

One founder told us, “I didn’t think people like me built businesses” by December, she had hired her first employee.

These are the moments that shaped our year — not the headlines, but the quiet victories.

Spaces That Became Home

Our buildings have always been more than bricks and desks. In 2025, they became sanctuaries for ambition, drive and determination to succeed.

Early mornings filled with the smell of coffee and the hum of possibility.

Lunchtime conversations that turned into collaborations.

Evenings where lights stayed on long after dark because someone was working hard to bring their business to life. We saw strangers become colleagues, and colleagues become friends.

We saw businesses that started at a single hot desk grow into full offices, and through it all, our spaces held the energy of a community building itself from the ground up.

We saw a run-down community centre, build a trusted consortium, thrive in the community, and turn out to be not too shabby!

A Community That Lifted Each Other

If there was one theme that defined 2025, it was connection.

We watched entrepreneurs share advice, swap skills, and celebrate each other’s wins. We saw established founders mentor newcomers. We saw people who once doubted themselves become the ones offering encouragement to others firmly cementing the BEC belief that enterprise is a team sport.

This year, our BEC community proved it.

Growing With Purpose

2025 also marked a turning point in how our community thought about the future.

More founders asked how to build sustainably. More explored greener practices. More conversations centred on responsibility — to the environment, to the borough, to each other.

We didn’t just talk about growth, we talked about good growth, and that shift felt powerful.

Stepping Into the Digital Future

Technology moved fast this year, and our entrepreneurs moved with it. We saw founders embrace digital tools they once found intimidating. We saw businesses reinvent themselves online. We saw creativity flourish in new formats — from AI‑powered branding to virtual workshops that reached people who couldn’t join in person.

Innovation wasn’t a buzzword; it was a lifeline — and a launchpad.

The stories that stayed with us

Every year leaves us with memories some great, some not so great, but 2025 left us with stories we’ll carry for a long time. The young entrepreneur who launched a business from her flat and now has her own kitchen and thriving food business.

The mother who turned a hobby into a thriving enterprise that now supports her family.

The local maker who nearly gave up, only to find new confidence through one of our mentoring programmes.

The founders who met at BEC, collaborated on a project, and ended up creating something bigger than we imagined.

These stories remind us why we exist; they remind us that enterprise is not just about profit — it’s about possibility.

Moving quickly into 2026

As we step into 2026, we carry with us the lessons, the laughter, the challenges, and the triumphs of the past year, and this coming year holds a special meaning for us and me personally.

2026 marks our 10th year as a Community Interest Company and me as the CEO — a decade of standing beside local entrepreneurs, championing inclusive growth, and proving that community‑powered enterprise can transform lives. It’s a milestone that reminds us how far we’ve come, and how much more we’re capable of building together.

We’re ready to welcome new founders ✓

We’re ready to support bold ideas ✓

We’re ready to strengthen our community✓

We’re ready to build a more inclusive, sustainable local economy✓

But most importantly, we’re ready to keep doing what we do best: helping people believe in themselves. Because when someone believes in their own potential, everything changes — for them, for their family, for their community.

And that’s the story we’ll keep writing together as we enter our tenth year and beyond.

Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth, reflection and Gratitude

As 2025 comes to a close, on what seems to have been a long and challenging year with more businesses than ever needing our help and support,  I am taking a moment to look back at the milestones that shaped the BEC journey this year.

Our Highlights of the Year

We started two new projects this year, Kitchen Catalysts which is providing support to widen the reach of the council’s food programme and is training residents to be cooking facilitators. By the end of the year, we needed to have eight new facilitators and now we have sixteen trained facilitators ready to support the boroughs food initiatives.

Our second project funded by Citybridge Trust; is in its second year but we switched it up and have been pulling together a group of social sector and council colleagues to look at social value and how we can improve at every level the impact of social value. Look out for a new training programme in the new year which will help grass roots organisations demonstrate their impact using film and other media, and an opportunity to get deeper into social value in its broadest context.

Another emerging success is the work we have done with our Consortium partners in improving the community centre at Heath Park. Physically the space is unrecognisable as the building we took over, the boring stuff is that it is compliant, redecorated and is fast becoming a space to connect with residents and the community. ILA, True Cadence and Rachelle Ertle, we salute you and thank you for sharing the vision and keeping the faith, it has not been easy!

Lastly of course a highlight is that the BEC made it through another year, like many organisations we do not get core funding and all income is generated through the business accommodation or from projects delivered.  After 10 years it sometimes feels like the BEC has become part of the furniture locally and is sometimes overlooked in the wider borough as a key contributor to entrepreneurship and the business community in the borough.

As new ideas, or providers appear it has been difficult to see the BEC get forgotten about, not be included or invited, and then businesses and business owners reach out in need of help and support, and we are reminded about what we do best. No gimmicks, no fuss, just solid business support and advice and accommodation you can grow your business in, as well as being part of the BEC family.

We are always grateful for the unwavering support of Cllr Sade Bright, who has backed the BEC since day one and continues to champion the work we do at every opportunity.

Lessons Learned

I guess following on from what I just said our lessons learnt this year as we need to focus more on our impact and how we demonstrate this to the wider community. Next year 2026 is our 10-year anniversary and so it is time for a revamp me thinks! and time to make sure we are not forgotten about.

Our other key lesson is how important it is to stay adaptable and the need to constantly change and pivot the model to ensure it is still central to what the community need. Being adaptable has kept us resilient in this constantly changing market and borough.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 1st of January brings me to my 10-year anniversary at the BEC, with the company 10 years old in February 2026. We’re excited to continue building, learning, and serving our community. Expect more innovation, more connection, and more reasons to celebrate together.

So without further ado my grateful thanks go to the Board, and the staff team, with a two pizza team it is easy to forget them juggling multiple hats to deliver services which can include sorting the plumbing, reception, business support and anything else that happens on any given day.

Our thanks to our supporters (contractors) in Innocom who support our social media and digital design all the way from South Africa! who would have imagined 10 years ago this was even possible! Let’s not forget the small businesses we use to provide our repairs and maintenance. We are as an organisation are proud of our look local policy (another way to demonstrate social value) these small contractors are part of the fabric of what we do. Lastly but by no means least our Operations Director, Donna Finley who is also approaching her 10-year anniversary in the summer and a BEC hero in Andre Arundell one of business mentors who really is part of the family.

Wishing you all peaceful and happy holidays and a great 2026

Starting a Business? Here’s Why Hot Desking Might Be Your Secret Weapon

There is no denying it launching a business is scary, intimidating but thrilling and it’s also a whirlwind of decisions, expenses, and uncertainty. One of the smartest moves we recommend here at the BEC that you can make early on is to ditch the traditional office lease and embrace hot desking.

Hot desking isn’t just a trendy workplace concept for the Shoreditch crew, it’s a strategic choice that can give your fledgling business the flexibility, savings, and energy it needs to thrive.

What Is Hot Desking?

Hot desking means using shared workspaces where desks are not assigned to specific individuals. You simply grab an available spot when you arrive or book one in advance. It’s common in coworking spaces and flexible office environments. We buck the trend here at the BEC as our main office  space provides a fixed desk and a locker so you can leave your laptop when you pop out to get lunch or go for that much needed walk.

Why Hot Desking Works for New Businesses

1. Low Overhead, High Impact

•              Forget long-term leases and pricey office setups.

•              Hot desking lets you pay only for the space you use—freeing up capital for marketing, product development, or hiring.

2. Built-In Networking Opportunities

•              You’re surrounded by other entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives.

•              Casual chats by the coffee machine can lead to partnerships, referrals, or even your next investor.

3. Professional Image Without the Price Tag

•              Meeting clients in a sleek coworking space beats a noisy café or your living room.

•              Many hot desking setups offer access to meeting rooms, event spaces, and reception services.

4. Flexibility to Scale

•              As your team grows, you can easily add more desks or upgrade to private offices.

•              No need to worry about outgrowing your space too soon.

5. Energy and Inspiration

•              Working around other driven people creates a buzz that’s hard to replicate.

•              It’s motivating, energizing, and often more productive than working solo at home.

6. Access to Amenities and Perks

Here at the BEC we offer high-speed internet, printers, coffee, and a very warm welcome as well as opportunities to access our training and mentoring programmes.

A Smart Start for Smart Founders

Hot desking isn’t about saving money, it’s about setting the tone for your business in an environment that encourages growth, connection, and adaptability. Whether you're a solo founder or building a small team, it’s a launchpad that keeps you lean and focused. For the first time in a very long while we have some desks available so if you would like to come and have a look then please contact Reception on reception@barkingenterprisecentre.co.uk or call 0208 227 3030

Asma Haq’s Story and Building Resilient Communities

When you meet Asma Haq, one thing becomes immediately clear: at the heart of her work is compassion and determination. From her beginnings as a chemical engineer in Dubai to her current role as the founder of the Marks Gate Relief Project, her journey shows an individual with vision to better her community. 

Engineering to education

Asma’s academic path began in Dubai, where she studied chemical engineering with the support of a scholarship. She then entered the workforce in the oil and gas industry however, even as she built her career in the sector, she felt a shift in the direction she wanted to take. “Although I was working in the oil and gas industry, I particularly enjoyed teaching,” she explains. “I knew my roots lay somewhere else.” That conviction brought her to the UK, where she completed a Master’s in Education. It was also here that her community work took root.

Marks Gate Relief Project

What began as free tutoring for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds soon grew into something much larger. “A part of my work involved teaching free GCSE and A-level chemistry,” she recalls, “but very soon I found myself actually feeding the students and clothing them.”

The Marks Gate Relief Project quickly expanded to offer food drives, counselling, and safe spaces for families in duress. Over time, the scope of the project expanded to include social supermarkets, gardening projects, and intergenerational initiatives connecting teenagers with senior residents. The project quickly became a meeting forum to address immediate community needs and a way to  tackle isolation and build long-term bonds.

Interfaith and inclusion

Another key aspect of Asma’s work has been promoting interfaith dialogue. Rather than relying on formal workshops, she chose a more personal approach. “We decided to do interfaith walks,” she explains. “It was light-hearted and casual, and regardless of people’s beliefs, they felt valued, seen, and respected.” These initiatives have helped reduce prejudice, foster acceptance and trust, and create an environment where people from all backgrounds can connect meaningfully. 

Partnering with the BEC

Asma first encountered the Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC) when attending an event at their space. That connection would later prove a necessity when the council introduced her to the Kitchen Catalyst Project.

Already running cooking clubs in her community, Asma was invited to become a facilitator, sharing her skills with others across the borough. The Kitchen Catalyst model was simple yet powerful: make the most of surplus food, experiment with unfamiliar ingredients, and bring people together around shared meals. “It encourages stewardship of shared spaces and resources,” Asma says. “Cooking together helps build sustainable neighbourhoods, tackle stigma, and create friendships that last.”

Her advice

Community begins with a simple question: do you care about shaping your neighbourhood for the better?

“If the answer is yes,” she says, “then come down, give it a try once, and you will begin to feel the impact straight away.” Her words reflect that empowering and resilient ethos that drives her work on a daily basis. The belief that small, everyday actions can create lasting change holds true through  every project in the Marks Gate Relief Project and the BEC. 

What began as a single act of support has blossomed into a multi-faceted support project that helps families, young people, and senior citizens  alike. Through Asma’s leadership, the Marks Gate Relief Project and initiatives like the Kitchen Catalyst continue to demonstrate what’s possible when communities come together with purpose and creativity. 

Winding Down for Summer: A Strategic Pause on Social Media

As summer sets in, many businesses experience a natural shift in pace. Clients take holidays, inboxes quiet down, and attention spans drift toward sunshine and leisure. In this seasonal spirit, we’re choosing to scale back our social media activity both intentionally and strategically.

This isn’t a shutdown; it’s a slowdown. By limiting posts during the quieter months, we’re creating space to reflect, recalibrate, and prepare for the busy seasons ahead. It’s also a recognition of audience behaviour: engagement typically dips in summer, making it the perfect time to prioritize quality over quantity.

Behind the scenes, we will be refining our content, exploring new ideas, and aligning our strategy with long-term goals as well as working on four new projects!  When we return to full speed, we promise to be sharper, more focused, and ready to deliver even greater value.

Thanks for staying connected. We’ll still be here—just a little quieter, a little sunnier, and a lot more intentional.

Ps we will be giving our website an overhaul as well to make it far more user friendly with lots of resources!

Getting on Board – Being a director or a trustee

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.

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.

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

Time to get deep about social value - Beyond Profit and Policy

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 1st of July you can register here!

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

Reinvigorating Heath Park Community Centre – a privilege and a challenge

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 26th 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 26th June between 12 and 2pm link below

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