BCW: Where Sustainability Meets Savings - How Borrowing Tools Saved Members Nearly £100,000 in 2023

In a world where consumption often leads the way, finding sustainable alternatives that benefit both the planet and our pockets is an increasingly sought-after endeavour. Bridging this gap and fostering a community-driven initiative, Brighton Community Workshop (BCW) has not only championed sustainability, but also saved its members a staggering amount of money in 2023.

At BCW, our ethos revolves around the principle of borrowing tools rather than buying them outright. This simple yet impactful approach not only minimises unnecessary purchases, but also significantly reduces carbon footprints. The result? A win-win situation where both the environment and members' finances flourish.

As a not-for-profit organisation powered by dedicated volunteers, BCW stands as a beacon of communal collaboration and responsible resource management. By leveraging this unique platform, members gain access to an extensive array of tools and equipment without the burden of ownership, ultimately resulting in substantial savings.

In the past year alone, BCW facilitated an incredible feat, collectively saving its members nearly £100,000. This substantial sum is a testament to the efficacy of a shared economy, where individuals can borrow what they need when they need it, without the costly investment of purchasing items that may only be used sparingly.

BCW's membership model is not only financially beneficial, but also incredibly affordable, starting at just £30 a year. This nominal fee grants individuals access to a diverse inventory of tools, equipment, and resources. Whether it's power tools for DIY projects, gardening implements for tending to green spaces, or specialised equipment for various hobbies, BCW's inventory is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of needs.

Furthermore, becoming a BCW member transcends mere cost savings; it's an endorsement of sustainability and a commitment to reducing unnecessary waste. By participating in this community-driven initiative, members actively contribute to a circular economy, promoting the responsible use and sharing of resources for the betterment of all.

Are you ready to embrace a sustainable, cost-effective lifestyle while being a part of a thriving community? Sign up as a BCW member today and embark on a journey towards a more sustainable future—for your wallet and our planet.

Save the Date: 2024 AGM - January 30th!

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On Tuesday 30th January 2024 at 19:00 we will be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM). We will be reporting on our progress over the last 12 months, discussing our plans for the rest of the year, and we would like to elect a core team to meet regularly to resolve issues, make plans, discuss operational items, and more. Nominations will be done informally at the meeting and you can self-nominate too.

We want to make this as much a social event as it is a business event, and we will be inviting a couple of special guest speakers. We would really like to promote one of our main mantras, Share, and invite you to come along, share your thoughts with others, bring some food and/or drinks, and let’s make a bit of a party of this too.

The meeting will take place in the shop at 116 St George’s Road, Brighton, BN2 1EA.

The proposed agenda is:

19:00 - 19:30 Meet and Mingle: An opportunity to explore the place for those that have not been here yet and to meet some new people and greet those you have met before.

19:30 Call to business:

1. Introductions – Garry & Pete

2. Guest Speaker 1 – TBC – Cat Fletcher founder of Freegle

3. Guest Speaker 2 – TBC – Cllr Tim Rowkins, Chair of the City Environment

4. Tool Library & Membership Data Breakdown – Steph Healey

5. Annual Report – Garry Meyer includes Q&A

6. Financial Report and Fundraising

7. Elections - At least 10 Core Team Members

8. Meeting Ends

9. Drinks & Nibbles

We really hope you can come along and can bring something to share with others, and we hope it will be a fun and informative evening.

If you would like to stand as a Volunteer Committee Member you will need to be a full member and nominated or supported by at least one full member.

Some of the role responsibilities for Volunteer Committee Members include:

1. Events Coordinator

2. Workshops & Makers Sessions Coordinator

3. Shop Manager

4. Social Media Coordinator

5. Fundraising Coordinator

6. Workshop Manager

7. Tool Library Manager

8. 3 Members without portfolio

Becoming a member

To be or not to be? Are you or are you not?

Becoming a member of the Brighton Community Workshop Project & Tool Library should be easy.

In essence you;

1. Fill in a form

2. Pay a fee

3. Become a member

We know lots of you are interested because so many have signed up to our newsletter and we have loads of followers on the socials with plenty of liking, commenting and sharing

There’s a but coming...

Our Sign Up form

But as good as this is, we really do need the support financially.

Many of you have also began your registration online (see form) but not taken that final step of purchasing a membership.

If you have entered your details into the sign up form and not paid any fee, then you are not yet a member.

We’ve updated the Join Us section on our homepage to explain how to setup your account in a bit more detail.

We have 3 tiers of annual membership

• Herald - £20

• Advocate - £30

• Protector - £40 (minimum)

Plus our Rolling monthly membership option

• Champion - £5 (minimum)

Non-Members can also borrow from the library and use the space, but will be charged premium rate.

Buy Less, Share More, Make More, Save More - Join Today.