Overview
How do you run an asset that can be used for service delivery while maintaining a viable community business?
This feels like the eternal question for asset owning community organisations. However, as the cost-of-living crisis deepens, finding the balance between service delivery and sustainability has become even more of a challenge. This session looked at how to make the most of asset space during the cost-of-living crisis.
We heard from community organisations who are currently tackling
this issue. We also heard from Wrigley’s Solicitors about how best to
“flex” your assets and the legal considerations.
- Fran Etherington from the The Old Fire Station, Leeds, told us that room hire remains a core part of their income generation model. They believe forward planning has been essential to their sustainability through the cost of living crisis. They put strong financial planning procedures in place during covid, agreed to fixed utility rates before the crisis fully hit, and have loyal tenants.
- Laura Moss of Wrigleys Solicitors discussed the legal considerations of using assets in different ways. “it is important to have flexible legal structures so the organisation can adapt and exploit new opportunities”
- Megan Ohri from SOAR, Sheffield, explained how they have tapped into the desire of tenants/ users to make more ethical choices. They have been able to use the fact they are a non-profit, with green credentials, that provide warm spaces to work as a unique selling point.
Key Learning Tips
Why community ownership?
If you’d like more support with any of these topics, Locality has a range of consultancy on offer.
Related resources
The Green Asset Guide
This guide is intended for community organisations that are planning to improve or develop land or buildings as assets for their organisation or community. It offers a summary explanation of approaches you can take to reduce the environmental impact of these activities by looking at them through the following themes:
Climate change and building adaptability
Waste and waste treatment
Energy and energy generation
Management for improved environmental sustainability
Preparing your community organisation for the future: A guide to diversification
The inherent strength of community organisations to remain flexible and adaptable has been essential during this cycle of upheaval. It will no doubt continue to be a vital characteristic. As more community organisations face the reality of working in an increasingly unpredictable environment, where even the best laid plans can come unstuck, we hope this guidance serves as inspiration for taking alternative courses of action. The lessons throughout should also assist those community organisations who are horizon scanning for new market opportunities as part of their natural cycle of strategic planning.
Early warning guide
This guide is intended for use by board members and senior managers of third sector organisations - from the very small to the very large. The guide is only meant to help you start to ask questions; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Not all the questions have obvious answers but they should stimulate discussions between staff and board that either reassure or warn you. Relate your answers to the last 12 months