Every penny counts - support this

Community spaces are a vital part of any community. I’m helping preserve Bread & Roses. Will you?

There is no doubting that we live in tough times and I don’t want to regurgitate the non-stop news on that topic. However, there are rays of hope, one of which is a community venture I am supporting. My question to you is simple - will you?

Bread & Roses in Bradford is in trouble. Established in 2018 and supported through a combination of trade and grants, B&R is a wonderful space that fulfils multiple purposes. Its shop front on North Parade is a vegetarian/vegan spot that serves excellent food in generous portions at decent prices. Check image below.

It also serves as a co-working and event space. Last year Jude and I held our civil partnership ‘do’ there and it was amazeballs. The team did a standout job to make sure everyone was both welcome and served with terrific food in a location that comfortably accommodates a modest crowd. We even ended up with some takeout!!

I’m not a veggie but I love their food. It’s one of a very small - as in one or two - cafe/restos in the city that offer vegan food you want to eat. As a person with vegan family members, this is vitally important for inclusive events. And as they say, if you’ve never tried it then don’t knock it!!

Beyond that, B&R has rooms that anyone can book for gatherings/meetings etc. Local council groups regularly book spots as do small business ventures. The location also serves as an informal gallery for local artists. If you’ve heard of world famous artist David Hockney then you you know what I mean.

B&R’s main purpose is to serve as a community hub that supports new business ventures of all kinds. As such it represents an important element of a proud city that’s working hard to regenerate yet still suffers from a legacy of neglect and difficult financial restraints.

The workers and volunteers always have a ready smile and offer great service. I know. I go there when in Bradford and have never been disappointed.

It’s also in a location the city wants to promote as a place that represents part of its efforts to regenerate a city centre that by any standards has been neglected yet offers opportunity. LevellIng up U.K.? Forget about it.

If you’ve been there late afternoon yet fancy a craft beer then there is a clutch of great hostelries that will satisfy your thirst. There’s a great Chinese supermarket across the street and an Eastern Europe supermarket for those who need provisions. As a foodie I love that vibe.

So much for the pitch. What’s the problem and why am am I making this bare faced appeal?

Like many similar projects B&R has struggled to get past the pandemic. It’s on its knees. I recently learned that short of raising £20,000, it would be out of business by now. As of this date, it has raised some £22,300 so it’s immediate, short term future is secure. That’s good news as I have a daughter who wants to hold her wedding party there! But…short term means nothing unless the long term follows. Right now there’s a stretch goal of £40,000. At that level, B&R has genuine breathing space to secure its future.

B&R has great ambition and much local love but that counts for nothing unless it remains economically viable. To that extent I’ve put on my old accountant’s hat and given them some tough love. I’ve also put funds into the business with no expectation of reward. Why?

Community projects are a vital part of society. They provide a valuable service to fledgling ventures. Do you know for example the story of how an important global HR company was founded in a coffee shop based on an idea drawn on a napkin?

So with that I’m asking for your help. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never visited B&R or only ‘know’ them through this missive. What matters is your coin. More import and right now, for every ££ up to £250 per donation, B&R gets match funding. Put in £20 and it magically becomes £40. Go balls out and put in £250 and that’s £500. It doesn’t take a rocket science to realise that every penny counts.

So - what are you waiting for? If, like me, you believe in the value community projects deliver to the communities they serve then put your digital hand in your pocket. Help support a community project that offers genuine and much needed services.

And for transparency, I’m not part of the team, I hold no office or representation on the business and have no intention of sticking my oat into the venture beyond responding to advisory requests. I’m just a fan.