The Challenges of a Start Up

It has been a month since I left Hubbub to start a new organisation aiming to make it easier for people to live greener lives by changing the way that products and services are delivered.  It has been strange stepping away from being the centre of a busy, thriving organisation but I have enjoyed the time and space to think about things anew, reflect on what matters to me and consider how best I can make a difference.  These have been my five main reflections.

Creating a new organisation is both exciting and boring

I have loved the creative process required to develop a new organisation.  I realised at Hubbub the importance of having a clear mission, strong values and a compelling visual identify.  It has been a pleasure working with a small core of experts and an amazing designer to turn thoughts into the first iteration of the organisation.

I know the importance of a strong Board to challenge thinking, provide support and offer different perspectives.  A small group has already met socially over a dinner to discuss the ambitions behind Sizzle and it is likely that they will become the initial board members. 

I have opted to establish Sizzle as a ‘Community Interest Company’ as this gives more flexibility than a charity but also contains an ‘asset lock’ meaning that investors can feel confident that funding will always be directed to benefiting the environment and society.

On the flip side, the administration required to register a company, set up a bank account, organise the social media channels and get the accounts package in place is not an area of joy but is essential to create a strong bedrock for future activities.

Slowing down and listening

My temptation was to rush into the new organisation identifying projects and working on funding proposals, but I quickly realised that this was repeating previous work patterns which I was trying to escape.

Instead, I have taken the time to speak to a range of different people gaining an understanding of their ambitions and concerns.  Based on these conversations a growing number of common themes are emerging.  These include how can we reimagine systems to revive our High Streets, promote a circular economy, significantly cut emissions and protect essential carbon sinks.  The challenge over the coming months will be to knit these together into projects where I feel I can truly make a difference.

Expect the unexpected

One of the ambitions of Sizzle is to provide pro bono support to communities currently under-represented in the sustainability debate or who need support to take brilliant ideas to scale.  I have been surprised at the number of people who have sought this support and believe that I have already helped them become more focussed in their thinking and introduced them to organisations who could help them achieve their ambitions.  This has been far more rewarding than I anticipated.

I have also realised that not being the representative head of an established charity enables me to be more forthright in my views.  I intend to use this greater freedom to call out areas where I think significant change is required.

If the idea is strong the money will come

I haven’t fretted too much about securing income.  My costs are at an absolute minimum giving me the space and time to consider where I can make the biggest impact.  This is counter to my previous way of working which was to be highly opportunistic in seeking funds.  I am hoping that a different approach will enable me to be more focussed and I have confidence that if the projects are sufficiently strong the funding will follow.

A new working pattern

The biggest change has been adapting to an entirely new way of working.  At Hubbub there was a constant influx of emails, regular meetings, staffing issues to resolve and daily decisions to be made.  Now it is entirely up to me how I use my working day.  This is both rewarding and challenging.  I have realised that I need to be disciplined and ensure that I don’t become too isolated, but I must also take advantage of the new freedom by taking the time to do the things that keep me personally replenished.

I hope that this brief reflection on what it is like starting a new organisation is helpful.  If you are interested in collaborating please email trewin@sizzle.org.uk.  If you have any questions or thoughts do get in touch.