Media City based Social Sense and Really Good Things have been chosen by Power to Change to support its mission to strengthen communities through community businesses – tackling some of society’s biggest challenges.

Power to Change is the independent trust that strengthens communities through community businesses. They support people to start and grow community businesses that revive local assets, create the services people rely on, and address local needs.

From pubs to libraries; shops to bakeries; swimming pools to solar farms, community businesses are locally rooted, community-led and trade for community benefit to make life better for local people. 

Social Sense and Really Good Things – both bringing extensive experience in working with community organisations and policymakers – won a competitive tender to undertake audience research and benchmarking to support the policy and strategic communications aims of Power to Change.

Managing Director of Social Sense Gary Lovatt says:

“There’s never been a more important time to support our community businesses and those who have a stake in their ability to thrive. This work will offer some vital insights into perceptions and experiences that can really influence the future impact of Power to Change. I’m delighted we’ve been chosen to deliver this work.

Sarah Klaveness, Director of Really Good Things added:

“Community businesses really are at the heart of all positive change, with such a wide-reaching impact on people, providing opportunities, and transforming places. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Power to Change, and partnering with Social Sense, to support the growth of community businesses, today and for the future.”

In total around 60 community organisations will be engaged – both known and unknown to the funder – across a diverse range of city, suburban and rural areas throughout the country.

Hannah Corbett, Head of Communications added:

“This was a competitive process and the winning bid gave us confidence in the team’s ability to deliver the outcomes we’re looking for.

We are very much looking forward to working with Gary and Sarah on this project”.