5^th February 2019: Kettering-based social enterprise, Brightkidz, has been outsourcing packaging and assembly work to Teamwork Trust for two years – its founding director, Alison Holland, explains why they chose to use another not-for-profit organisation, and touches on her exciting ideas for more partnership work.

“We promote active travel to schools and provide road safety education for children, and our shop, where we sell reflective accessories, clothing and gadgets, is a big part of our social enterprise business,” said Alison. “Lots of our jobs require the packing or assembly of items and to be able to outsource that work to a fellow social enterprise like Teamwork Trust is very important to us. When we visit it’s not like we are simply handing over a job – we are contributing towards improving the wellbeing and skill set of vulnerable adults who are genuinely interested in what we do. It is fantastic to see the great sense of pride they get from packing or assembling our items – it really is what a social enterprise is all about.”

Alison believes the vision she embeds at Brightkidz is very much aligned with Teamwork Trust’s aims, and wants to build on the partnership.

“I travel the country to give presentations and workshops about how we help others promote walking, cycling and road safety and what it means to be a social enterprise. I will often use our relationship with Teamwork to explain how our not-for-profit organisations work,” said Alison. “There is huge potential for us to develop projects together; for the wider community, through the newly formed Kettering Town Centre Partnership where I am a founding member, or for Brightkidz to work with Teamwork members on schemes to promote independent travel, travel plans or sessions on how to cross the road safely.”

Alison’s focus on changing attitudes and behaviours are also similar to Teamwork’s strategic ambitions, as it pioneers new ways for local charities to provide social care services. “Our two organisations are focused on very similar social goals in terms of inspiring change, and building on the confidence and independence of those who use our services. When social enterprises form partnerships, great things happen.”

Find out about Teamwork's outsourcing services HERE.