Enterprise

Land based social enterprises can create lots of benefits, but developing a sustainable business can often be a struggle. The organisations below have found innovative ways to fit financial productivity into the way their organisations work.

Tree Station

Tree Station are taking the surplus wood generated throughout Greater Manchester and making it work. Reducing carbon emissions and producing everything from the wood for John Lewis chopping boards to woodfuel, Patrick Morello talks us through their negotiations with council commissioning, the importance of local, ethical partnerships and the benefits of accreditation.

OrganicLea

Members of OrganicLea workers’ co-op are running a thriving food growing project- with elements of recreation, education and campaigning- on ex-council land. Brian talks us through the co-op’s relationship with the local council and how have they have developed their project, income and ideas.

River Stewardship Company

Maintaining the river for riparian landowners whilst training volunteers and apprentices is how the River Stewardship Company realise their vision of more engaged communities and a healthier river. Helen Batt talks us through their focus on income generation and enterprise, how they scaled the project and their exciting business improvement district work in which 250 business are…

Knoydart Forest Trust

The remote community of Knoydart have owned and managed the Knoydart forest since the 1990s. Lorna tells us their story, covering the pros and cons of community ownership, and some clever ways to generate income as a community organisation.

Saffron Acres

Saffron Acres is the site of 68 new social eco-homes and a community food growing project delivering jam and preserves across the country. Through their story, we learn the importance of business partnerships, the benefits Saffron Acres offers the City Council, and some innovative ways to create successful enterprises in deprived areas.