Workshop hears how business approach to doing good suits better

Oldham’s first “alternative” clothing emporium is just one of the worthy causes benefitting from an idea brought to the borough – from Bangladesh.

The Alt Thru Time shop based in a new mini–Affleck’s Palace on King Street, is a social enterprise – meaning it’s a business with profits ploughed back into the community. And guests at an Upturn hosted event heard how this idea of a commerce-first approach to kindness is surpassing charity in its sustainability and effectiveness.

Anwar Ali OBE, MD of Upturn told guests: “The world of government grants for charities is diminishing and it is time all causes diversified and got as passionate about their business as they do about the subject they campaign on. In places such as Bangladesh, money cannot simply be thrown at charities for year-on-year, and this is now the case here in the UK.”

One of those receptive to that message was Ibrahim Chishti, the owner of a shop dedicated to original fashion designs, nick-nacks and even comics. The 27-year-old Psychology and Therapist graduate conceived of his business during COVID, and remembers: “I couldn’t find work and wasn’t even considered for a coffee shop barista job – because I was over-qualified!”

A spell of volunteering helped industrious Ibrahim to gain new customer service skills. “It was then that I began to think “what it the one thing Oldham doesn’t have? With support, I opened up my first shop in the Tommyfield Market, which caters especially for those from the LGBT+Q community, then moved into my new premises in April 2024.”

Ibrahim’s was one of a myriad of different social enterprises attending – who included Girls with Pride and Dignity, Outta Skool and Spark Oldham, which coordinates activities for everyone from schoolchildren to men with mental health issues.

The key speaker at the event was Chris Colwell, Lead Investment Manager at the Key Foundation, who aid hundreds of social enterprises across Britain via grants and loans. He argued that the latter made a good concern leaner and more fit for purpose in achieving its intended goals. “Before applying for a loan you need to ask yourself, “are we ready?” and “how can you measure the difference you make?” he said.

Upturn has been rated one of Britain’s top 100 social enterprises for four years running. Its new Hive business hub situated in the Spindles shopping centre doesn’t just host events like this one – it can also be a place for good causes to co-work and network with those around them.

“We have to realise that social enterprise is an eco-system where we work together not just to make a difference in Oldham, but regionally and nationally” concluded Anwar. “The main lesson from today is that when it comes to funding, you cannot put all your eggs in one basket. Taking out a loan can be scary, but if we make a positive change and take a more business approach to our work, we can continue to do good.”