Places for People and DAC Beachcroft help Camden residents turn business ideas into reality

Residents in Camden have gained the confidence, skills and practical know-how to start their own businesses thanks to a week-long entrepreneurship programme funded and supported by Places for People (PfP) and legal partner DAC Beachcroft, and delivered by Rebel Business School. 

The free programme, held at Basil Jellicoe Hall in Somers Town, brought together local people interested in exploring self-employment and business ownership, from selling handmade products online and running market stalls to launching freelance and service-based businesses. 

A total of 52 people attended the course, which was designed to support PfP customers and other residents from across the local community. Many joined with little or no previous business experience, with 65% having never run a business before. 

Kate Ainscow completed the programme and described it as a “tremendous course” which gave her “invaluable knowledge to kick start my business!” 

The programme focused on helping people develop entrepreneurial skills, grow their confidence and take practical steps towards generating their own income. By the end of the week, 17% of participants had launched a business, while 21% had already made a sale. For more than one in ten attendees, this was the first sale their business had ever made. 

PfP customer Eva Perucha added: “You don’t need to have everything in place before starting. It made me less fearless about giving things a go.” 

The programme was particularly successful in reaching residents who may face barriers to employment and economic opportunity. More than half of attendees were unemployed at the time of joining the course, while over half were receiving government benefits. 

“This is a truly inspiring and empowering course and the fact it’s accessible for free to anyone is extremely valuable” said participant Tara Jones. 

Alongside business outcomes, participants reported significant personal development. Nearly all attendees said the programme increased their happiness and self-belief, while 96% reported greater confidence. In addition, 86% said the course improved their ability to secure employment, progress their career or access further training opportunities. 

PfP customer Emiliano Diaz Gonzalez said: “My life was boring, flat. I was working for a company with a corporate format and hours. After eight years, I was made redundant. I was crushed, but I knew the silver lining was that the moment had come to start what I'd been wanting for over a decade: my own brand." 

Director of Places Impact at Places for People, Marcus Hulme said: "At Places for People, we're committed to creating opportunities for people to thrive, not just through the homes we provide but by supporting their ambitions and aspirations. This programme has given our customers and local residents the confidence, skills and practical tools to explore self-employment and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. 

"It's inspiring to see people turn ideas into action, with several of those who attended launching businesses and making their first sales before the programme had even finished. Through partnerships like this, we can create meaningful social impact and help our communities flourish." 

Head of Responsible Business from DAC Beachcroft, Kat Barry said: "Creating positive social impact is an important part of how we work with our clients and communities. We are proud to have partnered with Places for People and Rebel Business School to support local residents in developing new skills, building confidence and exploring pathways into enterprise. 

"The outcomes achieved through this programme demonstrate the difference collaborative partnerships can make in helping people unlock their potential and improve their future prospects." 

Henry Nicholson, CEO of Rebel Business School said: "Too often people believe they need funding, qualifications or a perfect business plan before they can get started. Our goal is to show people that they can begin with the skills and resources they already have. 

"The results from Camden show what happens when people are given practical support, encouragement and the confidence to take action. We've seen participants make sales, launch businesses and leave the programme with a clearer sense of direction for their future." 

Participant Maggie Coffee described the programme as transformational, saying it helped her see a path forward through entrepreneurship and increased her confidence in building a future through self-employment. 

The Rebel Business School programme is just one of a number of initiatives PfP has supported across Camden as part of its commitment to helping communities thrive. So far this financial year, PfP has funded and supported 18 local projects, providing more than £31,000 to organisations delivering a range of services to local people. This includes support for Joining Communities CIC, which helps improve the mental, physical and social wellbeing of people living on housing estates through activities such as gardening, walking groups and community coffee mornings, as well as providing free food, furniture and clothing to residents in Kentish Town. PfP has also backed One Mic, One Life, a powerful initiative working with young people to tackle the root causes of knife and gang crime through workshops, awareness events and community outreach.