Connection Crew

Connection Crew, based in London, provides a specialist crewing and logistics service for corporate events, employing formerly homeless people.

The social enterprise was set up in 2005 by the charity Connection at St Martin's with start-up funding from Gallowglass, the largest crewing company in the UK.

Initially all the crew were ex-homeless individuals, but this created problems as many were inexperienced in the skills required to maintain a job. There were issues around personal hygiene, timekeeping, organisation, communication and appropriate behaviour.

Connection Crew now also recruit non-homeless people, with 25 per cent of staff being ex-homeless who receive on the job training. Trainees undertake a 150-hour probation period paid at a training rate before they become part of the general crew. There is also a placement crew made up of formerly homeless people referred by CSTM, who receive expenses and social support from the charity. Once a person has passed a placement they may become a paid trainee.

Moving away from the charity

In 2008/2009 Connection Crew broke even for the first time. However, the crewing industry was hit hard by the global economic crisis and their corporate funding was cut, which left them being propped up by the charity. A discussion was had whether to fold the enterprise or to move it away from the charity. The decision was taken to begin an exit strategy, starting with a major analysis of the social enterprise.

They were aware that the move would take time, an estimated 12-18 months. Also, that there would be many major decisions to make on issues of governance, finances, premises and transfer of assets.

There was the problem that, established as a new community interest company, they weren't recognised by banks and potential funding bodies as having a trading history. As well as the challenge of setting up a new business without dedicated human resources support, and having to develop systems for basic practices such as payroll and cash flow.

Operations Director, Charlie Dorman and the team learnt on the job about the different issues they needed to consider, including the need to adopt a different approach to a charity. Where charities are generally risk adverse, they recognise that social enterprises must be willing to take measured risks to succeed.

The initial analysis of Connection Crew proved to be an advantage, helping: to identify risks; to look at social output which influenced branding; and, raising awareness of Connection Crew's position within the market and the sector.

Connection Crew continues to make contributions to CSTM. In five years they hope to grow turnover to £2 million and have half of the crew coming from a homeless background.

You can find out more about Connection Crew on their website www.connectioncrew.co.uk