Posted on 4th Sep
A new community initiative allows charities and small businesses to swap services and support each other during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
It is a partnership between Business & IP Centre Nottingham (part of Nottingham City Council Library Services) and Nottingham CVS.
Notts Swap Shop is a free platform that allows organisations and individuals in Nottinghamshire to connect with and help each other by swapping skills and services online.
The original idea for the venture came from the much-loved Multi-Coloured Swap Shop children’s TV programme, broadcast from 1976 to 1982, when children exchanged toys and collectors’ items.
The new swap shop concept was born in Derby during lockdown and was an instant success, securing 200 registered members in its first three months.
The web platform has now been rolled out in Nottingham by the Derby Swap Shop team (Ask the Chameleon, HUUB Limited and Think3) with support from Nottingham CVS and the Business & IP Centre Nottingham.
The first swaps for Nottingham and more details are at www.nottsswapshop.co.uk
The platform is flexible and if an organisation is in need of something but isn’t sure what they can offer in return, they can leave their request open to offers.
Jules Sebelin, head of business development and deputy chief executive at NCVS, said: “We are really excited to be part of the Notts Swap Shop! It will create an ecosystem of mutual support and skills sharing between charities and small businesses that we haven’t been able to achieve before. Usually, charities are on the receiving end but in this instance, they will also have valuable things to add to the swap.”
Coun Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and IT, added: “I’m pleased that the Nottingham Libraries service is working with NCVS and a local East Midlands business to deliver the Swap Shop for Nottingham. It will enable the people of Nottingham to further develop their businesses by utilising their own personal and professional skills in exchange for skills that their business will benefit from. I am excited to see the successful swaps, and hope that it will not only enhance the businesses and their offering, though also help bring communities closer together throughout Nottingham.
Ruth Hawley, library lead at the Business & IP Centre Nottingham, said: “At Business & IP Centre Nottingham our aim is to support entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages, and we’re really excited about the potential for creating community in our city and county through Notts Swap Shop, enabling people to share their skills and knowledge and gain the support they need to help their businesses flourish.”
To join the platform and start swapping, you will need to register for a free account on the Notts Swap Shop website.
