Our next entrants are a Community Interest Company set up to own, manage and operate The Alexander Centre for the benefit of the local Swale community.
Based in Faversham, The Alexander Centre operates as a Community, Arts and Business Hub, with ground floor meeting rooms and a large hall that can be used for training, workshops, conferences, music and theatre events, exercise classes, fairs and markets, parties and weddings. The first floor provides affordable office space for small start-up businesses, as well as charities and social enterprises.
With six employees the business is committed to providing affordable space for the local community. The enterprise raises funds by hosting a variety of events; such as film screenings, Santa’s Grotto, exercise classes and comedy and music events.
General Manager Alison Fellows discussed what her organisation has done and her plans for the future: “We have renovated and invested in the building, to ensure that it can run fruitfully for years to come. The organisation has diversified and strengthened our business streams and sought funding to bring additional investment into the building. Our position is currently strong with no debts or loans, a strong programme of events and activities to drive revenue and a robust business plan to take it forward for the next 5 years. Our aim is to renovate the currently disused and derelict second floor, which will become more affordable office space for the local community.”
When asked why she felt The Alexander Centre deserved to be recognised at the 2019 Swale Business Awards, Alison replied: “Our organisation is run by a small, committed team and given how few of us there are we deliver an impressive range events and initiatives for the benefit of the local community – we have welcomed upwards of 35,000 visitors through its doors this year! All this activity contributes to the maintenance and celebration of this iconic building, securing it as an asset for the town for years to come.”
15-17 Preston Street
Faversham
ME13 8NZ
01795 591 691
www.thealexandercentre.com