beanstalk

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Skills for Life Multiply Grant by the WEA, Lancashire County Council, and the Department of Education. This exciting opportunity allows us to collaborate with community groups across Lancashire to deliver six “Ready, Steady… Air Fry” courses. Our courses are designed to teach more than just the basics of using an air fryer. Attendees will gain valuable skills in cooking on a budget, making price comparisons, understanding nutritional values, adapting recipes, and mastering measurements and conversions. Did you know how much numeracy is involved in cooking? But that’s not all—every attendee will leave with their very own air fryer and a copy of our exclusive “Ready, Steady… Air Fry” cookbook. The best part? Each session is a cook-and-eat event, giving us a fantastic opportunity to meet everyone and enjoy a great get-together. We just can’t wait to get started!

Office AdministratorPart-time (10hrs a week) / Fixed term (until March 2025)May be able to extend depending on the funding.£22,383 per annum (pro-rata equivalent £6,604 pa) Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a supportiveand inclusive environment? Beanstalk Business Centre CIC is seeking a dedicated OfficeAdministrator to join our team on a part-time basis. This role offers flexibility, allowing you to work10 hours per week with flexible hours that suit both the needs of the business and your personalcommitments. As an Office Administrator, you will play a crucial role in supporting our mission toempower individuals through skills development. Position Overview:At Beanstalk, we believe in putting people at the heart of everything we do. As an OfficeAdministrator, you will embody this person-centred approach by providing essential support to ourteam and ensuring the smooth running of our operations. Your role will involve assisting ourEmployment and Skills Mentor, Business Advisor, Board of Directors, marketing team, and IT team.With a focus on flexibility and individual needs, this role offers an opportunity for personal growthand development through workshop facilitator and coaching pathways. Key Responsibilities:– Provide administrative support tailored to the needs of our team members andstakeholders.– Collaborate closely with our Employment and Skills Mentor and Business Advisor,assisting with workshop organisation, materials preparation, and record-keeping.– Support the Board of Directors by preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, andensuring follow-up actions are completed.– Work alongside our marketing team to manage content, including website updates, socialmedia posts, and marketing campaigns.– Assist the IT team with technology-related tasks, including basic troubleshooting, softwareupdates, and maintaining IT documentation.– Uphold our commitment to safeguarding by ensuring the well-being and safety of allindividuals involved in our programmes and activities. Essential criteria– Be passionate about Beanstalk’s vision and mission, as well as being aligned with our values.– Previous experience in an administrative role, preferably in a person-centered environment.– Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for helping others.– Excellent organisational abilities with a keen eye for detail.– Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer skills.– Innovative and forward-thinking approach to marketing and social media, with demonstratedsuccess in developing creative content and engaging campaigns.– Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.– Understanding of safeguarding principles and a commitment to promoting the welfare ofindividuals.– Strong written and verbal communication skills. An important bitBeanstalk Business Support is committed to a diverse and inclusive culture. We promote equalityand challenge discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of allbackgrounds. Every member of our team has their own role in relation to Safeguarding – it’severyone’s responsibility! How to applyWe encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity if you are passionate about creating asupportive and inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.Please send your CV with covering letter to hello@beanstalkbusiness.co.uk. Closing date: 20th March 2024Interview: w/c 25th March 2024

Exciting news for small businesses and startups! The UK government is simplifying tax rules, tweaking how businesses calculate profits by making cash basis accounting the default method from April 6, 2024, and removing turnover limits. As entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of navigating tax complexities efficiently. These adjustments will ease the burden for startups, allowing them to focus on growth and success. The recent tax regulation changes are a game-changer, simplifying processes and enhancing flexibility and accessibility. Here are the key changes small businesses can expect: But what’s the difference between cash basis and accrual accounting? Cash basis accounting records income and expenses only when cash changes hands, simplifying transactions for businesses with straightforward operations. On the other hand, accrual accounting recognises transactions when they occur, providing a more accurate financial picture. Pros and cons: While cash basis accounting offers simplicity and potential tax savings, it may not provide as precise a financial snapshot as accrual accounting. Businesses must weigh these factors and consult financial experts to determine the best approach for their operations. If you’re a small business owner, understanding these changes is crucial. From the 2024/25 tax year onwards, cash basis will be the default method for preparing taxable profits on your tax returns. However, consulting with an accountant or tax adviser is essential before making any changes to avoid unforeseen consequences. For more information, visit:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/expanding-the-income-tax-cash-basis-for-self-employed-individuals-and-partnerships/expanding-the-cash-basis#:~:text=Proposed%20revisions,basis%20and%20switch%20to%20accruals.

At Beanstalk, every person we meet has their own story, and we’re all about getting right into the heart of that story. We predominantly focus on one-on-one support because we know everyone’s story is different. It’s not just about finding someone a job; it’s more about understanding what’s holding them back and working through it together. We’re here to celebrate every little win along the way. Let me tell you about one incredible person we’ve had the privilege of working with – a young person dealing with high anxiety, autism, ADHD, and low confidence. When they first came to us, the thought of coming to an appointment without their mum was unthinkable. But now, they’re showing up on their own and that’s a massive leap forward in their journey! It’s not just about showing up; it’s about growing in self-confidence bit by bit. It’s these little moments that mean the world to us. We’re not just about jobs; we’re about journeys. We’re here to help people believe in themselves, to take those daring little steps. And when they do, we’re right there, cheering them on and celebrating every success along the way. So, if you’re thinking about joining us or know someone who might benefit from our programmes, why not get in touch? Drop us an email at hello@beanstalkbusiness.co.uk or give us a ring on 0300 365 5530. We’re ready to start this journey together.

Beanstalk Business Centre CIC will attend the Lancashire Devolution Event Beanstalk Business Centre CIC are going to the upcoming Lancashire devolution event. This important meeting, scheduled for January 18th, 2024, is a significant step for the community as it shapes the future of the region under the proposed devolution deal. The event is organised by Shout Connect, Selnet, and the Lancashire LEP. It offers an opportunity for local organisations to gain insights and express their views on the devolution process. Understanding the Impact on Local Needs For Beanstalk Business Centre CIC, the devolution deal could provide new ways to support local businesses and enhance employment and skills development in the community. The team at Beanstalk is keen to learn how the proposed changes might allow for more effective and responsive services, tailored to the unique needs of Lancashire’s residents and businesses. Key Topics of Discussion The event will address several critical aspects of the devolution deal: • How likely is ratification of the deal that is currently on the table?• What are the points of debate around Lancashire having a mayor, similar to Andy Burnham in Manchester or Steve Rotherham in Liverpool City Region?• Will a devolved Lancashire have access to more business funding?• Would a devolved Lancashire be given more funding for transport?• This is your chance to get involved in the debate and hear a range of opinions.• Speak to other businesses and Social enterprises to take their view on the prospect of a devolved Lancashire and why.• Learn more about current business support. This gathering is a chance for Beanstalk Business Centre CIC and others to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of Lancashire. Further Information and Participation Those interested in the devolution discussion are encouraged to book their places at the event. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit Eventbrite – What Does Devolution Mean for Your Lancashire Organisation Further information about the devolution deal can be found at: Lancashire County Council News – Devolution deal announcementLancashire devolution deal – GOV.UKLancashire Devolution Website Beanstalk Business Centre CIC looks forward to contributing to this important conversation and exploring how these changes will shape the future of our region.

Imagine five summer afternoons filled with family cooking sessions that are not only educational but also affordable and delicious. That’s precisely what we offered through the Cook, Eat, Repeat programme of workshops, generously funded by Community Gateway, Preston City Council’s Household Support Fund and Beanstalk Business Centre CIC. Let’s dive into this flavourful journey of good food, happy families, and unforgettable moments! Cooking with Purpose The Cook, Eat, Repeat programme was a fantastic success! Over five weeks, families gathered at The Hub at Grange Gardens to embark on a culinary adventure. The goal was simple: teach hands-on cooking techniques using budget-friendly ingredients. We wanted to promote healthy food choices, budgeting, waste reduction, social interaction, and family bonding through cooking. Ingredients of Success What Worked Well The workshops were designed to be fun and interactive. They provided a friendly, pressure-free environment where families felt comfortable. The sessions were in high demand, with fully booked classes and even a waiting list. Everyone enjoyed not only cooking but also spending quality time together as a family. Areas for Improvement While the project was mostly smooth sailing, there were some minor issues. A few no-shows occurred, but we managed to address this by contacting those on the waiting list. Attendees suggested that a larger space would be beneficial, and we took this into account by slightly reducing the number of attendees. Additionally, we had to adjust our budget to cover unforeseen costs related to ingredient preparation, shopping, and administrative tasks. Delicious Outcomes Now, let’s savour the project’s outcomes: Three Words of Flavour We asked attendees to describe their Cook, Eat, Repeat experience in three words, and they shared some tasty descriptions: fun, exciting, yummy, and more. Community Gateway Alignment This project aligned perfectly with Community Gateway’s priorities: Measuring Success Our success was not just anecdotal. We collected feedback through surveys and informal conversations, tracked improvements in cooking skills and knowledge, monitored attendance, and received positive feedback from our partners at The Hub at Grange Gardens. In conclusion, the Cook, Eat, Repeat programme of workshops was a delightful foodie journey that promoted social value, family togetherness, and lasting memories. It left a legacy of delicious experiences and sustainable food practices that will continue to benefit our community for years to come.

Cakey people, rejoice! For those who know me, it’s no secret that my life revolves around the world of cake. Since 2013, I’ve been sharing my passion for cake decorating and baking through Victoria’s Corner. And now, I’m thrilled, thanks to the incredible support from Strive2ThriveLancashireCIC, my dream of offering fully funded cake sessions to local communities has finally become a reality. A New Chapter Begins: Towards the end of last year, we brought Victoria’s Corner into Beanstalk Business Centre CIC. Through this restructuring, my beloved cake sessions found their new identity as Beanstalk Food and Cookery. This transition has allowed us to broaden our horizons and reach even more cake enthusiasts. The Perfect Venue: Yesterday, we hosted a delightful confectionery session at the fantastic MET which has been set up in the Morrison’s car park off Blackpool Road, nestled between Deepdale and Ribbleton. This unique pop-up venue is brimming with a diverse range of events over the next few weeks, providing an abundance of entertainment for all. The best part? It’s all free! The Marvelous Sugar Teddy Bears: While you’re here, take a peek into our gallery, where we’ve showcased the enchanting sugar teddy bears crafted by our talented attendees. These personalised creations have sparked boundless joy and admiration. The Joy of Decorating Your Own Birthday Cakes: There’s something undeniably special about being able to decorate your own birthday cake. Not only does it bring immense delight to the recipient, but it also serves as a testament to your creativity and personal touch. By learning the art of cake decorating, you not only bring joy to yourself and others but also save a few pounds in your pocket. Imagine the satisfaction of presenting a stunning, homemade cake at your next celebration! So, join us on this delightful journey of exploring the world of cake decorating and baking, and let’s spread the joy, one cake at a time!

At Beanstalk, we are overjoyed to express our deepest gratitude to Wiltshire Digital Drive for their exceptional generosity. Their recent donation of five desktop PCs, complete with monitors, mice, and keyboards, has had an incredible impact on our organisation. We are thrilled to share how this contribution will enable us to recommence our work experience programmes and empower individuals on their career journeys. In addition, we would like to extend our thanks to DPD UK for their reliable courier service and A Good Thing (UK) for connecting us with Wiltshire Digital Drive. The donation from Wiltshire Digital Drive has opened up new avenues for us to resume our work experience programmes. These programs play a vital role in equipping individuals with valuable work skills and the confidence needed to progress in their careers. With the new desktop PCs, we can expand our reach and provide even more people with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and take a step closer to their career goals. Our heartfelt thanks go to A Good Thing (UK) for their incredible work in connecting us with Wiltshire Digital Drive. Their expertise in matching surplus equipment with charities and not-for-profit organisations in need is truly remarkable. Through their efforts, we have been able to forge a meaningful partnership that has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Calling All Businesses: Join the Movement! We invite all businesses to consider donating equipment they no longer use to organisations in need. A Good Thing (UK) provides a fantastic opportunity to ensure that your surplus equipment finds its way to charities and not-for-profit organisations that can put it to good use. By supporting this initiative, we can collectively create a world where no useful equipment goes to waste. Let’s make a positive impact and ensure that valuable resources are utilised to their fullest potential. The support we have received from Wiltshire Digital Drive and A Good Thing (UK) has been truly remarkable. Their generosity, reliability, and matchmaking skills have enabled us to continue our important work experience programmes and empower individuals on their career journeys. We extend our deepest gratitude to these incredible organisations and encourage businesses to join us in supporting A Good Thing (UK) to make a lasting impact in our communities. Together, we can ensure that no useful equipment goes to waste and contribute to a better world for all. #TechForGood #DigitalEmpowerment #CareerDevelopment #Grateful #GivingBack #CommunitySupport #Donations #WorkExperiencePrograms #MakingADifference #Opportunity #PCDonation #AGoodThing #WiltshireDigitalDrive #DPDUK #Beanstalk

Happy 2nd birthday to Beanstalk! Let’s get the confetti, put on our party hats, and celebrate this remarkable milestone – we’re growing faster than a magic beanstalk! OUR JOURNEY SO FAR! As I look back on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved, it’s hard not to get a little nostalgic. Time flies, doesn’t it? Just a year ago, we were wrapping up our first year as a new community interest company, and little did we know the amazing things that awaited us. One of the most pivotal moments came when UnLtd provided the much-needed funding for our new office premises. Moving into Brentwood House, with its stunning chandelier and the warm welcome from the Community Futures and SELNET teams, felt like a dream come true. Finally, we had a space to offer work placement programmes, creating opportunities for individuals in our community to thrive. We were thrilled when Community Gateway became our first partner in referring mentees to our programmes. Our pilot initiative kicked off with great success, and witnessing the positive impact we were making in people’s lives fueled our passion to do even more. Building on this success, we made strategic changes and transformed into Beanstalk Business Centre CIC. Our new structure allowed us to launch dedicated divisions for Employment and Skills, and Food and Cookery. These initiatives were born out of the needs expressed by our communities, and we were determined to provide practical learning opportunities that catered to diverse learning preferences. A significant highlight was delivering the NCFE L1/2 Food and Cookery programme at Carnforth High School. It allowed us to empower young individuals by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed in a practical learning environment. Watching their growth and witnessing their newfound confidence has been incredibly rewarding. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support, funding, and faith of UnLtd. Their belief in us from the start allowed us to bring Ve Bennett, our first employee, on board as our Employment and Skills Mentor. Ve has made an incredible difference at Beanstalk, bringing her expertise and passion to our team. What would we do without you, Ve? Our business services divisions have continued to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of Andrea Gardner from Myerscough College. Together, we’ve collaborated on numerous projects, with the pinnacle being our invitation to the House of Lords to celebrate The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s Farm for the Future Programme’s success. There are so many people who have been instrumental in our journey, and it would be impossible to mention them all without the fear of leaving someone out. However, special thanks go to Alistair Clarke MBE, who supported us from day one through SELNET’s Drive Programme, our support manager Jo Gibson from UnLtd, who has now become a cherished friend, the judges who recognised our efforts with awarded us SELNET Start-Up Social Enterprise of the Year 2022, and our fabulous partners who have championed us every step of the way. But I can’t sign off without expressing my deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors. Cameron Karri, Chris Webb, and Loraine Campbell, you are my conscience, my critical friends, my sounding board. Your guidance and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout this journey. Thank you for believing in our vision and working tirelessly to help us achieve our goals. To every person who has embraced our support, your dedication, enthusiasm, and confidence in your own life journeys inspire us every day. You are the true heroes, making positive changes one step at a time. We celebrate you! So, here’s to our incredible journey so far, and to the countless chapters yet to be written. Together, let’s keep growing, thriving, and reaching for the stars. The best is yet to come. Cheers to Beanstalk’s 2nd birthday!

Last Saturday, we had the incredible honour of participating in an inspiring event organised by Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire CIC. The Culture Exchange Project, led by Social Ark and funded by the Foundation For Future London and Westfield Stratford, brought together talented young individuals from around the UK to experience the rich culture and diversity of Preston. Exploring Opportunities and Engaging Conversations: The Culture Exchange Project aims to delve into the various opportunities and challenges faced by young people in different parts of the country. Participants engage in conversations encompassing a wide range of topics, including culture, community, history, personal experiences, social enterprise, equality, art, and music. It provides an open platform for meaningful discussions and deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to young individuals. Collaboration and Community Engagement: During the visit, Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire collaborated with several local partners, including us at Beanstalk Business Centre CIC, Mandala Preston CIC, Soundskills, Farri Park Community Centre, Preston Community Hub, Let’s Grow Preston, and Red Rose Recovery. This collaborative effort brought together diverse organisations with a shared goal of empowering young minds for positive change within our community. A Proud Representation of Preston: As representatives of Preston, four exceptionally talented young individuals showcased the vibrant spirit and creativity that our city embodies. Through their unique perspectives, they shed light on the rich cultural heritage and diversity that makes Preston a truly special place. An Honorable Experience: Participating in this incredible event was a true honor for us. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important project and represent our communities. Capturing the Moment: We would like to extend our gratitude to Cameron Karri from Masuyo Digital for capturing the memorable moments of the event through stunning photographs. These visuals serve as a reminder of the collective effort and the vibrant atmosphere that was created during this remarkable gathering. Conclusion: The Culture Exchange Project organised by Strive 2 Thrive Lancashire CIC was a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the unyielding spirit of young individuals. Through open dialogue, collaboration, and representation, this event showcased the true potential of our city and its young people. We are excited about the positive impact this project will have on communities nationwide, inspiring young minds, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. #WestfieldEastBankCreativeFutures #CultureExchange #Innovation #SocEnt #SocialEnterprise #Arts #YoungPeople #Film #LevelUp #Legacy #Equity #Equality #Respect #Empowerment #Sheffield #Birmingham #Preston #EastLondon #LivedExperience #SocialArkFamily💙