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.
