Awen Cultural Trust Bryngarw Park Feasibility Report Disclaimers: The information contained in this document is the proprietary and exclusive property of the author, commissioning body, their agents and nominees, or as otherwise indicated. No part of this document, in whole or in part, may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or used for design purposes without the prior written permission of Yellow Wales or Social Firms Wales. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Social Firms Wales Limited disclaims to the extent permitted by law all liability for all claims, losses, expenses, damages and costs the user may incur as a result of, or associated with, the use of information in this report or associated communication for any reason whatsoever. The success of any Social Firm/Enterprise will be very much due to the Company’s management, ability and commitment. All figures contained within this Study are projections and for illustration purposes only. Social Firms Wales does not give any guarantee or warranty with regard to potential income, sales, costs or profits. Privacy and Confidentiality Information: This document may contain information of a sensitive nature. This information should not be given to persons other than those who are involved in the development of the project or who will become involved during its lifecycle. Social Firms Wales Limited Mailing Address: PO Box 85, Porthcawl, CF36 9BP Company Limited by Guarantee – Registered in Wales No: 5569450 Registered Office: Langdon House, Langdon Road, SA1 Swansea Waterfront, Swansea, SA1 Contents 1 Summary 2 1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Study Scope and Limitations ............................................................................................ 3 1.4 Key Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Retail Options .................................................................................................................. 5 2 Feasibility Study 7 2.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Consultations ................................................................................................................. 14 2.3 Products & Services ....................................................................................................... 24 2.4 Service and Workplace .................................................................................................. 26 2.4 Market Analysis ............................................................................................................. 27 2.6 Branding ......................................................................................................................... 36 2.7 Risk Analysis and Management ..................................................................................... 38 3 Retail Options 42 3.1 Independent Identity ..................................................................................................... 42 3.2 Franchise ........................................................................................................................ 42 3.3 Rental ............................................................................................................................. 42 3.4 Other Models ................................................................................................................. 42 3.5 Retail Options ................................................................................................................ 43 4 Impact Assessments 47 4.1 Traffic ............................................................................................................................. 47 4.2 Displacement ................................................................................................................. 47 4.3 Staff and Workplace Trainees ........................................................................................ 47 4.4 Volunteers ...................................................................................................................... 48 4.5 Visitors ........................................................................................................................... 48 4.6 Other Stakeholders ........................................................................................................ 48 5 Delivery/Implementation Plan 50 5.1 Workstreams .................................................................................................................. 50 6 Findings and Recommendations 53 6.1 Summary of Findings ..................................................................................................... 53 6.2 Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 54 Awen Cultural Trust / REACH Bryngarw Park Feasibility Study │ Social Firms Wales Ltd - June 2017 1 1 Summary 1.1 Purpose Commissioned by the Awen Cultural Trust and in partnership with Reach, the Rural Development programme for Bridgend, this report seeks to explore the potential for developing a retail offering at Bryngarw Park that supports local producers and provides employment, work experience and training opportunities for local people. In this context, this study focuses on the commercial prospects and how this relates to Awen Cultural Trust’s key message, to “make people’s lives better” through culture and by enhancing people’s well-being . The key aims of the report are to: - explore the feasibility of a retail offering at Bryngarw Park - provide an outline of the potential options available - assess the likely impacts of such a proposal - develop a delivery plan to show how any one option might be realised 1.2 Methodology The methods used to assess and analyse Bryngarw Park included site visits, monitoring meetings, reviewing documentation provided including financial information, policies, networks and activities. An on-site visitor consultation was carried out in addition to research conducted using the internet and telephone. Social Firms Wales methodology outlines our approach to a complementary working style that is responsive and flexible within the context of the given brief. It is based upon our experience and knowledge gained through previous social and corporate governance analysis, appraisal and bespoke training and success in this specialism. Our first goal was to identify the opportunities and begin the process of scoping and assessing them. This leads to the development of the feasibility study detailing all potential options. All work relating to this commission will be undertaken utilising 6 complementary sources: 1. On-going dialogue between commission lead and main contact at Social Firms Wales 2. Use of knowledge and expertise regarding development and implementation of Social Firms, social enterprises and socially responsible businesses and the outsourcing of public services to local authority trading companies (LATC) or stand-a- lone entity. 3. Face to face interviews and meeting with selected stakeholders as appropriate 4. Desk based research via telephone interviews with selected stakeholders as appropriate 5. Desk based research using internet facility 6. Social Firms Wales will utilise specific areas of expertise of specialist team members, mainly: a. Understanding and practical working experience of practices of local authority’s environments b. Understanding and practical working experience of social enterprise environments Awen Cultural Trust / REACH Bryngarw Park Feasibility Study │ Social Firms Wales Ltd - June 2017 2 c. Understanding and practical working experience of establishment and growth of social enterprises d. Understanding and practical working experience of the formation, practicalities and functions of professional partnerships and consortium arrangements e. Understanding and practical working experience of transfer of local authority businesses/day services to new ownership/independence (externalisation) f. Understanding and practical working experience of issues and solutions related to TUPE, pensions, HR issues, transfer of assets, existing contracts and development of new contracts and legal aspects associated with all undertakings g. Understanding and practical working experience of requirement in relation to business modelling to create a financially sustainable a social enterprise operation h. Understanding and practical working experience of financial modelling to create a financially sustainable social enterprise operation for the delivery of public services i. Understanding and practical working experience of the need for local authorities to do things in a different way that leads to services being delivered in an effective and efficient way fit for the future j. Understanding and practical working experience of the importance to ensure robust models of governance are established, ensuring all social and commercial objectives are achieved 1.3 Study Scope and Limitations The report studies Bryngarw Park and its grounds and the potential for retail opportunities on the site. It looks at Bryngarw in the context of its past,