In 2011 DRC secured transition funding to access expert advice and support to re-model the organisation for long-term sustainability, while remaining true to its mission of supporting disabled people to lead fulfilling lives.
Louise McKiernan, chief executive, commissioned Development in Social Enterprise (DISE) to undertake an honest appraisal of their fee-paying accessibility services, but also research fresh ideas and new market opportunities that could generate significant income streams.
“DISE delivered three business plans for us, grouping together smaller activities into coherent and distinct services, expanding our horizons outside of Birmingham. Our Board was presented with the information they needed to make informed decisions about how and where to invest our resources. They also looked at how our health and wellbeing services could be promoted to new markets, and suggested alternative money-saving approaches to achieve our goals,” says Louise.
We went onto assist DRC to implement and test ideas, training staff and managers, as the organisation develops as a social enterprise. Training in Customer Service, Marketing and Sales was being rolled out so that all staff could play their part in helping DRC reduce its requirement for grant funding.
“DISE are very professional and the type of consultants that get stuck in. They always go that extra mile, but understand the boundaries of their role as consultants. Their versatility and flexibility has been invaluable.”
We also supported DRC with an office move which has brought about new opportunities to generate income from meeting room hire, back office and virtual office solutions for smaller organisations.
“The launch of our new services, move to new premises and a marketing re-fresh have brought about an exciting period of change in our 20-year history.”