Kindred’s five-year strategy, written in 2025, shows our commitment to working in ‘place’ – supporting social innovation clusters in every borough of the city region. This strategy follows our argument for the devolution of money and decision-making to local communities with lived experience – recognising STOs as drivers of inclusive economic growth.
The components of these clusters evolve from the needs of STOs. They include Social Economy Clubs, hosted by partners in each place, as a way to meet peers, develop networks and collaborate. They feature support for investment readiness and space for experimentation and testing ideas, contributing to the three elements – money/support, collaboration and property – that underpin the region’s growing social economy ecosystem.
Evidence shows that the needs of organisations shift as they progress through their investment journey. In years two to three of investment, STOs are more likely to need support to retain staff or unlock other investments or marketing strategies. But, as they mature, access to suitable, affordable and secure property emerges as a more significant constraint to growth – particularly where organisations struggle to secure space that meets the varied needs of the communities they serve.
When STOs unlock affordable and secure spaces, they generate localised social value – creating jobs, attracting other businesses, activities and investment into an area.
STOs’ demand for space or property is not simply a question of unlocking a building – buildings do not create economies on their own. Our social innovation cluster strategy values STOs as activators of local regeneration, strengthening place, stimulating wider economic activity and deepening their contribution to inclusive growth.
What we have done to address these needs?
- Kindred has – and is – supporting a number of STOs to secure premises and has fostered five clusters in place alongside three thematic clusters.
- Kindred acts as the economic ecosystem builder, financial innovator and long-term steward helping social innovation clusters emerge and grow across the Liverpool City Region.
- We know that buildings alone do not deliver – without activity, they remain empty buildings.