After tying up my PhD studies at the beginning of the year, I am
increasingly asked what I plan to do next, answering with a very vague, non-committal,
“I am doing bits and pieces/tying up the final parts of my research/looking for
potential opportunities” type of response. However, what I have in fact been spending
an increasing proportion of my time doing is investigating the feasibility of
launching a modern coffeehouse in my local town of Worthing, West Sussex, based
upon the social enterprise model of business (i.e. one where there is a defined
social and/or environmental mission, think, at the national level, Divine
chocolate, The Big Issue and FoodCycle).
When considering what to do post-research, a number of factors entered
my decision-making process. First was a desire to draw together the skills and
knowledge I had gained in my research career with my love of baking and my personal
ethos to make a positive social and environmental impact. Second, was that I
decided early on that I wanted to do something day in day out that I could
honestly say I loved and that would continually challenge me. Third, I wanted
to stay close to Worthing, particularly with the impending arrival of my niece (in
August). With a great support network of family and friends, it seemed
nonsensical to look elsewhere to make a positive impact. And finally, at a time
where I am (lucky enough?) to have few personal responsibilities or commitments,
doing something that pushed the envelope a little seemed very appealing.
Transforming A Baked Thesis from baking blog to coffeehouse in Worthing,
with a commitment to creating a positive social and environmental impact,
seemed like an exciting, and timely, opportunity.
Why a social enterprise?
There is increasing recognition that the dominant way of doing business
is unsustainable and that business as usual needs to change to respond to the
challenges faced in society today. The social enterprise model of business has
the capacity to do this, putting community, society and the environment at the
core of activities. Just like any business, the aim is to generate profit, but
the key difference is what is done with this profit.
A social mission?
At this stage (i.e. the early stage) there are four aspects to the social
mission of A Baked Thesis, all of which are dependent on the provision and sale
of, high quality food and drink in order to generate as much profit as possible
to plough back into 1 through 4 (no pressure right?!).
1. Supporting local businesses
I am eager to source as much produce as possible from the local area, to
use in the food and drink I sell as well as in a small deli-style produce
counter (to help promote local businesses). Additionally, I aim to draw on the expertise
of local businesses for other aspects of the business operation (for example,
marketing, accountancy and legal support).
2. Providing employment opportunities and work experience
In collaboration with local educational establishments, I am hoping to provide
apprenticeships and work experience placements for students, as well as
supporting other employment initiatives in the area.
3. Supporting local communities and groups
Through the coffeehouse I want to support local charities and community
projects through, for example, the catering of events and the provision of free
meals for, for example, families in need.
4.
Developing a
dynamic space
My
aim is to develop a space where people can meet, eat and socialise, reflected
in its design, to encourage multiple social experiences and support a dynamic programme of events. This
will contribute to overcoming some of the social problems the town faces, for
example those associated with social isolation, whether it be a weekly book
group or providing a space for groups to meet.
Progress so far
With a potential premises found, financial forecasting starting to take shape
and a strong network of suppliers and customers emerging, the vision is all
becoming quite real. While to date, A Baked Thesis has primarily been a baking
blog, over the next few months it will transition into what I have outlined,
albeit briefly, in the paragraphs above. I will of course continue to blog
about my adventures in baking, but will intersperse these posts with those
documenting my journey into social entrepreneurship.
