We were recently shortlisted in the Marks & Spencer and Power to Change Liverpool Community Business Challenge. Our Project Champion volunteer Andrew describes what happened at the celebration event held at The Florrie on 1st November.
The autumn sun was shining, deflecting yellows and reds from the leaves, some still clinging on to their life source, others now forming part of an annual natural carpet, yet it was a crisp morning as the Lister Steps delegation, led by the tireless Gaynor Williams, set off en route to the Florrie. Supported by trustees Gayle and Julie, Lister Steps management in the form of Chris and Michelle, and our volunteer Champions, Azuka and Andrew, there was a strong supporting cast aiming to win financial and business support to take the Lister Steps brand forward to a bigger, brighter and better future.
As each shortlisted group began literally to set out their stall, two things became apparent: Firstly, there was an air of mutual respect and shared pride between seven hardworking groups, different branches of the same tree, one of support and community in Liverpool. Secondly, it was clear that the competition was very, very strong.
As the atmosphere grew, representatives from Power to Change and M&S, along with members of the public, quizzed each group on their goals and progress. There was a growing buzz inside the amazing space of the Florrie hall as the Lister Steps representatives engaged with all comers, explaining the plans to leave the portacabins behind and expand into the old library site to continue to provide excellent childcare services but also to reach out to the whole community of all ages.
As each shortlisted group began literally to set out their stall, two things became apparent: Firstly, there was an air of mutual respect and shared pride between seven hardworking groups, different branches of the same tree, one of support and community in Liverpool. Secondly, it was clear that the competition was very, very strong.
As the atmosphere grew, representatives from Power to Change and M&S, along with members of the public, quizzed each group on their goals and progress. There was a growing buzz inside the amazing space of the Florrie hall as the Lister Steps representatives engaged with all comers, explaining the plans to leave the portacabins behind and expand into the old library site to continue to provide excellent childcare services but also to reach out to the whole community of all ages.
Then it was time for the formalities. Once the introductory speeches, surely designed to heighten the tension, were out of the way, each organisation presented their pitch. And what a variety we were treated to: Song, beer, history and even pies all found a place as the groups put their best foot forward. And so, it came to Gaynor. Clear, precise and concise, highlighting the positive lasting effect Lister Steps has had on parents and children alike throughout its history, Gaynor made a very strong case for the Lister Steps brand and the plans for re-modelling that brand as we enter a new era.
The pause for lunch, courtesy of M&S, was a last chance for best wishes to be shared around the room, and to try to hide the nerves however possible. Our work was done, and the almost impossible decision now lay in the hands of the judges. Out of the shortlisted 7, only 5 would were to be chosen. Just 2 of the finalists would be leaving empty-handed.
The pause for lunch, courtesy of M&S, was a last chance for best wishes to be shared around the room, and to try to hide the nerves however possible. Our work was done, and the almost impossible decision now lay in the hands of the judges. Out of the shortlisted 7, only 5 would were to be chosen. Just 2 of the finalists would be leaving empty-handed.
The task of announcing the results befell Vidhya Alakeson, Chief Executive of Power to Change, and Chair of the judging panel. Glasses of fizz were handed round in anticipation of a, hopefully, triumphant toast. The gym fell silent as we all held our breath. Vidhya began to speak, the tension reached its crescendo, she confessed to underestimating the level of the finalists. Then, to the surprise and delight of all present, she announced the panel had decided it had to break its own rules and reward all 7 groups with £10,000 and invaluable business support. Everyone’s a winner! A fair decision and one which we all celebrated as one. Congratulations all round and many happy faces as official, and some unofficial, photos were taken.
It was a great day, and an honour to share the room with so many inspiring people. All the branches of that community tree grew a little more today, some inter-twining, but all rising from the same roots, from the earth in Liverpool, and our common spirit to support others. As we set off back to base and towards the setting late afternoon sun, it was impossible not to feel proud of Lister Steps, The Old Library Project, Gaynor, Olivia, and all those involved, safe in the knowledge that what we are doing is great, and we are doing it well.
It was a great day, and an honour to share the room with so many inspiring people. All the branches of that community tree grew a little more today, some inter-twining, but all rising from the same roots, from the earth in Liverpool, and our common spirit to support others. As we set off back to base and towards the setting late afternoon sun, it was impossible not to feel proud of Lister Steps, The Old Library Project, Gaynor, Olivia, and all those involved, safe in the knowledge that what we are doing is great, and we are doing it well.
“Today’s showcase event has provided a real insight into the collaborative, creative projects with people at their heart that exist in Liverpool. The visible way in which the community businesses have supported each other through the whole programme reaffirmed that they were all winners and incredible assets to Liverpool.” Vidhya Alakeson, Chief Executive of Power to Change.
The Community Business programme has been piloted in the Liverpool City Region in 2018, as part of M&S’s Community Transformation Programme, in collaboration with Power to Change. The retailer is currently trialling a range of actions in Liverpool to help tackle the issues that matter most to communities – such as unemployment, skill shortages, loneliness, mental health and wellbeing.
The Community Business programme has been piloted in the Liverpool City Region in 2018, as part of M&S’s Community Transformation Programme, in collaboration with Power to Change. The retailer is currently trialling a range of actions in Liverpool to help tackle the issues that matter most to communities – such as unemployment, skill shortages, loneliness, mental health and wellbeing.
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