A pioneering workspace is now open in Brixton. Called the Impact Hub, it has quickly become a hotbed of new start ups, and is buzzing with ideas. Tom Scott is director of School Ground Sounds, a music education charity that joined the hub in November 2014. He tells us more about his journey from an idea to a start up...
Our charity works with secondary schools in poorer parts of London. We offer students a free and exciting programme of recording studio experience, music mentoring and live performance opportunities.
London is an incredible city and I’m proud to live and work here. Yet parts of the capital face very high rates of poverty and social isolation. Then there’s the growing issue of affordable housing. To bring about the right kind of change and development to these areas, we need well-funded and bold regeneration programmes. The sort of investment the Mayor is making through his High Street Fund.
With this funding, projects like the Impact Hub help to bring entrepreneurs and local organisations together with a common purpose. Through collective action, they can have an even bigger and better impact on the local community. In my experience, shared office spaces like the hub also improve the work ethic of individuals and organisations. They encourage collaboration and support the development of new solutions to problems. Personally, the best thing about the Impact Hub is the sharing of skills, resources and ideas.
In my case, I’ve received expert help in website design, business modelling and developing a social media strategy – all through meeting other hub members. Shortly after joining, I was also encouraged to do the Hatch Enterprise Incubator, a 12-week crash course for start-ups. This helped me to take School Ground Sounds from just an idea to a registered charity.
Over the next five years, my plan is to grow the School Ground Sounds team. I want to extend our work with schools into every London borough, offering a whole range of opportunities and enhancements to music education.
About the Impact Hub
Impact Hub Brixton offers workspace and opportunities for local entrepreneurs. It's part of a global network of 82 hubs. Find out more
About the Mayor's High Street Fund
The Mayor’s High Street Fund was launched in October 2014. It is investing £9 million in 42 high streets across London. Brixton was the biggest beneficiary of the fund with a grant of £869,000.
Find out more about how the Mayor's improving London's high streets