Dale Rawlins, the Managing Director of Gloucester-based social enterprise Sofab Sports, an online sportswear retailer, explains in our film how his social enterprise is creating life-changing differences to local people – many of whom have faced barriers to work – by providing them with meaningful employment, so that they can gain new skills and vocational qualifications as well as improved social skills, self-esteem and wellbeing.
WATCH OUR FILM WITH SOFAB SPORTS, HERE
Resonance has been working with the SoFab Sports team since October 2019 when the enterprise received its first of two investments (£100k) from the Resonance South West Social Investment Tax Relief Fund. It received its second investment (£180k) in February 2021. These investments have been used to help SoFab increase its sales of clearance and end of line return sportswear through its online shop, increase warehouse space and to take on new employees. Through steady growth and whilst keeping to its mission to create employment for those furthest from the employment line, the enterprise has provided 55 people with employment, some of whom have successfully moved on employment with other organisations.
Providing the people SoFab Sports employs with a platform for future mainstream employment, the enterprise also ensures employees are supported in other areas of their lives, including finding decent and affordable housing. One of their employees, Scotty, was living full-time in a care home, without opportunities for socialising and employment. Having been provided with a role at SoFab seven years ago, the enterprise also supported him to move out of the care home and into his own home and fully independent living.
“The job at SoFab Sports means I get into a routine of getting up early and actually doing something and being around my friends … I enjoy working here. I’ve felt part of the team since day one.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ENTERPRISE GROWTH FUNDS HERE
Sign up today and keep up to date with all our latest social impact news, innovations and insights so you never miss a thing.
Resonance Limited is a company registered in England and Wales no. 04418625
Resonance Impact Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Resonance Limited, is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Firm number 588462.
Disclaimer: This website does not contain, constitute, nor does it form part of, an offer to sell or purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, any securities, investments or financial instruments referred to herein or to enter into any other transaction described herein. Resonance is not providing, and will not provide, any investment advice or recommendation (personal or otherwise) to you in relation to any securities, investments or financial instruments or transactions described herein. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website, neither Resonance nor its officers accept any liability for its contents or for any errors or omissions.