Learning leads to transformation
This case study – which is based on an independent evaluation of the Creative Local Growth Fund by Nordicity and Saffery Champness LLP – looks at the bespoke business support provided by StartEAST to the Creative Computing Club in Suffolk.
Matthew Applegate is the founder of the Creative Computing Club (CCC), which engages young people across Suffolk with technology-based activities – like computer programming, video game design, electronics and robotic – helping them gain confidence and qualifications. Matthew’s inspirational talent has been recognised by the BAFTA Young Game Designers Awards, presenting him with the Mentor 2019 award.
CC positively impacts young people’s lives through Saturday clubs and evening classes, as well as providing local primary schools with free creative computing workshops. Though primarily focused on children and young people up to the age of 19, CCC has started to work with NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training). Importantly, it also works with teachers to help them understand digital technology and provide them with the pedagogical tools to teach it.
StartEAST, which was supported by the Creative Local Growth Fund, was set up to provide targeted, specialist business support to cultural and creative enterprises across Norfolk and Suffolk. Developed by the New Anglia Culture Board, the project was managed by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council and delivered by the New Wolsey Theatre.
Matthew was able to take advantage of the bespoke business support services offered by StartEAST – including business skills development, a capital grant and, crucially, bespoke mentoring. Although initial training was through general workshops, StartEAST connected Matthew with a mentor who focused specifically on what CCC needed.
The mentoring was not just motivational but relevant, as the mentor was someone who also ran a Community Interest Company and understood Matthew’s commitment to social objectives.
The personal impact that StartEAST had on Matthew that was transformational; the support helped him understand and develop his role in the enterprise, learn to delegate and gain confidence in hiring, empowering and supporting his staff.
Engaging with StartEAST has also had a profound financial impact on CCC, which anticipated a turnover of around £200,000 for 2020/21 – even under Covid-19 conditions – in comparison to approximately £25,000 in previous years.
The resilience gained meant that when Covid-19 prevented classroom delivery, CCC was able to pivot its operation, collecting unused laptops from local businesses and distributing them to the large number of school children without access to a laptop at home. Without engaging with StartEAST, Matthew stated he would not have had the confidence to approach local organisations and the persistence to persuade them.
