Firm Futures

The relationship with the mentor was the key thing for me - he gave me confidence and practical support which helped me believe in myself and take my business forward.

Firm Futures is an initiative that helps people in Islington and the surrounding area, who are not in permanent, full time employment, set up their own businesses.

Through a series of monthly workshops, Firm Futures builds the confidence and skills needed to set up a business and provides a free package of support including a grant, mentoring and subsidised workspace.

Firm Futures is delivered through a unique partnership between three Islington organisations that are working together to support local people in becoming self-employed: law firm Slaughter and May, St Luke’s Community Centre and enterprise experts B Consultancy.

The project was first launched in 2013 and has seen single parents, young entrepreneurs and those not able to find full time employment secure a place. Of the 27 businesses that received support, 67% are still trading or are close to trading.

The businesses that have taken off as a result of support from Firm Futures include a branding business, a bakery, baby massage, yoga teaching, personalised embroidered gifts, mobile beauty business, a freelance photographer and a florist stall.

Firm Futures is launching in spring 2018!

To Apply: Applicants must live in Islington, or in one of the following postcodes: EC2, EC3, EC4, E1W, E1, E2, N4, N5, N6, N7, N16, N19, NW1, WC1 and WC2.

Level 1 workshop dates

Eventbrite links to workshops will be sent by email so that you can sign up online.

Date and time	Workshop topic(s)	Location
22 June 10am-12pm	Market identification, research and testing	St Luke’s Community Centre
11 July 10am-2pm	Business and financial planning Developing your personal brand	Slaughter and May office
8 August 10am-12pm	Creating a digital presence	Slaughter and May office
24 September 10 am to 12 pm	Moving from benefits into business Meet the bank manager	St Luke’s Community Centre
31 October 10 am to 2 pm	Introduction to legal issues	Slaughter and May office
28 November 10am to 2pm	Presentation Skills Pitching and networking	St Luke’s Community Centre

For more information about business start-up support, please email [email protected] or contact us on 020 7549 8178/79.

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Our modern Community Centre offers a range of flexible events spaces, perfect for meetings, conferences, parties or events for grown-ups and kids alike, from two to 160 people. We take pride in keeping the Centre well-decorated and clean. We're located just off Old Street, EC1, close to the City of London and three tube stations - Old Street, Barbican and Angel.
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Vacancies at St Luke's
About the centre

We own a large Community Centre on the edge of the City of London, a diverse area containing extremes of wealth and poverty. Our modern Community Centre provides a space for local people to gather and socialise, and for us and other organisations to deliver services and activities for the local community at little or no cost.
Garden Room

With its own private entrance and exclusive use of a terrace garden, this spacious and flexible room offers the perfect setting for conferences, seminars, training events and parties. It is a blank canvas to create the right setting and configuration for your event, and benefits from neutral, stylish décor and lots of natural light.
What we do and who we help

We own a large Community Centre on the edge of the City of London, a diverse area containing extremes of wealth and poverty. Our modern Community Centre provides a space for local people to gather and socialise, and for us and other organisations to deliver services and activities to the local community at low or no cost to them. We also work outside in the community supporting other groups and running community events.
The Loft

The Loft occupies the whole third floor of the Community Centre, and has exclusive use of an entrance (ante) room, kitchen area and toilet, within this spacious and versatile area. It is bright and airy, and ideal for meetings, conferences, training, seminars or less formal events. Its exposed Victorian steel beams and skylight windows offer wonderful views over the roof tops of London.
Our people
Studio

The Studio is a bright and exciting space for any occasion. Truly unique, this spacious room with its high ceilings and distinctive red walls will provide a striking backdrop to your conference or party. It includes a wall of mirrors with a professional barre for dance classes.
Community Engagement Officer

£30-32,000 pa depending on experience, 37.5 hours pw