What we do
Create provides a place where people can rebuild life and hope – we call this place, work. We use an innovative work-based learning programme to help create opportunities, rebuild lives and transform communities.
How it works
Create is a ‘for more than profit’ company. That means we run a great business, but every penny we make gets ploughed back into training, work experience and jobs for people who need them most. Through our employment Academy, people move into work in our food businesses, which are premium catering companies and a city centre restaurant in Leeds.
Food, glorious food
Since launching in 2007, Create’s food businesses have gained a great reputation for quality food and service. They are the backbone of our company, providing a wide range of entry level jobs and allowing our trainees to learn and work alongside expert staff. So often, the people we help have had it all and lost it. We believe in their potential and, when given a chance, they show more commitment, loyalty and drive to work than the average jobseeker.
Our Academy
Our Academy works because it gives people a framework in the real world of work. We offer a number of personalised programmes in a safe, supportive environment. Trainees benefit from quality training, hands-on work experience and the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications. Perhaps most importantly, they find a place where they belong and a group of people who will support and believe in them.
“Before there was no point in getting up. Now I get up every day and I’m always at work when I should be. The Academy is brilliant; it’s changed my life.
Dave, Create trainee
The story so far
You can trace our progress on the ‘Our history’ page, but needless to say, Create has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2007. After becoming one of the first companies to receive the Social Enterprise Mark, we’ve gone on to get more and more people into employment.
This year has been our best yet, with our top chefs, led by Richard Walton-Allen, we offer great food services in Sunderland, Leeds and Greater Manchester. In January 2011, we became only the second company to be awarded a Big Society Award by Prime Minister, David Cameron.
“Create’s dedication and innovative approach makes a real difference to the people of Leeds and they are a proud example of the Big Society I want to see across the UK.”
David Cameron, Prime Minister
What is a social enterprise?
First of all, social enterprise is nothing new – the Rochdale Pioneers, regarded as the first co-operative movement, were at it in 1864. Wikipedia defines social enterprise as, ‘… any for-profit or non-profit organization that applies capitalistic strategies to achieving philanthropic goals.’
Create is actually a Community Interested Company (CIC), which are defined as: ‘… limited companies, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage.’
We believe that social enterprise is a proven and powerful way to do business, while changing our communities, society and people’s lives along the way. For more on social enterprises in the UK, visit the Social Enterprise Coalition website.
