CAN Mezzanine expands to Bristol
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As CAN Mezzanine expands to Bristol, Pioneers Post caught up with Andrew Croft, chief executive, to talk swings and roundabouts in the charity and social enterprise sectors.
How is CAN weathering the storm?
We have gone through a period of consolidation. It was a slower process than we had anticipated, but we’re pleased to say we’re through it now. The Old Street and Loman Street offices are as full as they’re going to be and our customers are receiving a high quality space. We’re increasingly offering our customers more than a glossy office and a shared photocopier, and doing as much as we can to add real value, encouraging business generation and getting involved with leveraging relationships. We’ve also gone on a journey as much as any of our customers. We now operate at 97% earned income, up from 47% a few years ago, which just shows how we've all had to think about ways to structure our work.
How are your customers fairing?
A few our organisations have disappeared, most have downsized but actually some have expanded, which highlights some great innovation has taken place. There have been some swings and roundabouts over the last few years. The Social Value Act coming coming into force has meant that some organisations have seen potential opportunity and capitalized on it. For us, the expansion into Bristol means we can serve an already strong community in the South West.
Why did you decide to leave the private sector and get into the social enterprise world?
I was working in the US and came back for a trip. I was walking around a supermarket and noticed that so much produce was arranged by their organic or fair trade credentials. I remember thinking that it was happening here first, that a movement had really started and that consumer demand was changing the way companies were doing things. I felt that was a credible shift and I wanted to be part of it.
What drives you mad about your sector?
Well here, austerity has actually improved the thing that used to frustrate me the most. Social enterprises and charities used to refuse to collaborate, for many reasons, but it was often totally ridiculous. Now we’re seeing great collaborations in greater numbers. There are partnerships that would never have been seen before the cuts. It’s borne out of necessity, but in terms of marginal profits and sharing ideas I think it will be a huge bonus in the long term.