With a career in academia and the NHS it is no surprise that running a business is far from being second nature to me. In fact, it is so unnatural as to render the world of commerce as alien a concept as deciphering hieroglyphics – an entirely different language and culture. And so setting up a social venture, while appealing to my philosophical viewpoint, was completely outside of my comfort zone.
Creating a Community Interest Company to continue the work of the Storm Project – a successful not-for-profit venture with Manchester university, set up to provide suicide prevention and self-injury mitigation training packages to frontline staff – was a daunting task. There was motivation, dedication and vision in great measure, but what lacked in equal measure was the business acumen to make it happen.
I was lucky to have a venture manager from Umip, The University of Manchester's agent for intellectual property commercialisation; and as an UnLtd Level 2 Award winner, a development manager. Both Sonia and Kevin have been amazing. But, what I also needed was someone who could help me build my business knowledge and skills. Alf was introduced to me by Julie from UnLtd Connect, and he became that key person.
Having worked in accountancy for many years, Alf became my mentor for all things financial. It was an introduction that has exceeded more than either of us anticipated. Since our first meeting to discuss the rudiments of budgeting and bookkeeping, he has extended his offer of support throughout the process of setting up the CIC. I have been privileged to tap into his wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in business. From casting an eye over the business case required by the university to grant permission to set up the company, to discussing the contracts in readiness for pro bono legal support. When I have needed his guidance and expert opinion at meetings, he has never hesitated to be by my side.
We are still not there yet; there is more to do before Storm can trade independently of the university. It's been a long journey, and one that would have been difficult without Alf's support. But, why is it so important to set up the company when you are already trading successfully?
Well, while we can boast an income from sales exceeding £1m, and with more than 500 facilitators delivering training across their organisations and the community, there is more that Storm can do as a company. It will be better able to increase the marketing and selling potential of the suicide prevention and self-injury mitigation training packages, earning royalty payments for the University on the intellectual property it owns.
It will also be more able to reach out to the community and offer training to those who work with people in distress – to help them stay safe.
Dr Gill Green is Director of Storm Skills Training CIC
For more information about UnLtd Connect click here.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To join the social enterprise network, click here.
