Backing Local Futures
Backing People and Places the System Has Left Behind
Hundreds of thousands of people are long-term unemployed, and nearly a million young people are not working or learning. In the jargon they’re called NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Most unemployment is concentrated in areas of persistent deprivation. The problem is most government support is fragmented and inadequate. Most programmes focus on moving individuals into jobs without addressing the embedded deprivation and negativity in their communities, and employers don’t get the support they need to successfully employ long-term unemployed people. We need a more holistic, wraparound solution.
Meanwhile, these deprived areas see what money they do have drain away to distant corporations, leaving local businesses struggling and communities trapped in a negative spiral of unemployment, low investment, and stigma. Economic policy ignores the multiplier effect that supporting local businesses creates as it circulates money and builds resilient local economies.
I’ve spent decades employing over 1,000 long-term unemployed people through my social enterprises. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. These problems aren’t unsolvable—they just need a different approach.
My campaign has three themes:
Focus on areas of significant and persistent deprivation
We need to concentrate our efforts where unemployment is most entrenched, reversing the negativity and rebuilding opportunity in places the system has abandoned.
Combine individual support with community investment
Whether helping someone find work or start a business, we must also tackle the sense of negativity and stigma that affects their whole community. This means creating social capital and fostering community connections that help people succeed. Individual success isn’t sustainable without community change.
Give employers proper support and training
Businesses that want to employ long-term unemployed people need meaningful support and training to make it work. Good intentions aren’t enough, employers need practical help to succeed.
When we get this right, lives change. People gain dignity, financial stability, and purpose. Local businesses thrive and employ more people. Communities break free from the negative spiral. It’s not idealistic—it’s practical, proven, and long overdue.
“I worked directly with Colin for 8 years as a trustee of Green-Works, where Colin was CEO. Green-Works was a London-based social enterprise that sought to recycle office furniture and, in doing so, to provide employment to the long-term unemployed and socially disadvantaged. Colin was an effective leader who demonstrated his capabilities in the frequent crises that beset Green-Works as a social enterprise operating in an increasingly competitive commercial world. We held monthly board meetings at which Colin was present. He always went to considerable lengths to ensure that we received comprehensive background material in good time so that, as a consequence, the actual discussion was of a high standard.”
Tony Golding, Retired active writer
“I was privileged to serve as a Trustee of Green-Works for more than 10 years. Colin’s innovation and drive to make a difference were the foundations on which the business was built. He is respected by his peers and always keen to expand his already considerable knowledge in the areas of Social Enterprise and then apply it to whatever role he has. “
Ruth Saunders
“Colin provided an extraordinary level of knowledge and support during the set up and establishment of Renew North East – a not-for-profit white goods recycling business. He was prepared to take personal responsibility especially at difficult times and was able to implement creative and business savvy solutions. I have great respect for Colin’s integrity and would have no hesitation in recommending Colin to any organisation.”
Ann Britton Local Economy Unit Manager Gateshead Council
Ready to grow with purpose?
Tell me what you need – book a free chat, and we’ll see if I can help