A new community initiative is being championed that enables charities and small businesses to swap services and support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. It is a partnership between Business and IP Centre Nottingham (part of the Nottingham City Council Library Services) and the Nottingham CVS.
The Notts Swap Shop is a free platform that allows organisations and individuals in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to connect with and help each other by swapping skills and services online. Now more than ever, local charities and small businesses are in need of extra support for a wide range of reasons. The aim of the platform is to make it as easy as possible for them to join forces, build new partnerships and help each other to thrive and survive.
The original idea for the venture comes from the much-loved Multi-Coloured Swap Shop children’s TV programme broadcast between 1976 and 1982 – in which children would exchange toys and collectors’ items.
The concept was born in Derby during lockdown and was an instant success, securing 200 registered members in its first three-months. The Derby Swap Shop has since gone on to be named as one of four shortlisted companies in the Midlands ‘entrepreneur for good’ category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The first swaps for Nottingham are now live on the Nottingham Swap Shop website www.nottsswapshop.co.uk, these include:
- An award-winning photography / video service, in return for SEO / keyword optimisation for a website
Free system for compliant contactless check in (track and trace), in return for support with paid social media advertisements - The platform is flexible and if an organisation is in need of something but isn’t sure what they can offer in return, they can leave their request open to offers.
Ruth Hawley, Library Lead at the Business and IP Centre Nottingham, said: “At Business and IP Centre Nottingham our aim is to support entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages, and we’re really excited about the potential for creating community in our city and county through Notts Swap Shop, enabling people to share their skills and knowledge and gain the support they need to help their businesses flourish!”
To join the platform and start swapping, you will need to register for a free account on the Notts Swap Shop website. You can also follow the platform on Twitter @NottsSwapShop to see the latest swaps and read the latest success stories.