This year at 3SG, we are delighted to celebrate Global Social Enterprise Day. You might wonder
what defines a social enterprise – and the answer lies in this year’s theme, “People and Planet
First.” A social enterprise is an organisation dedicated to making a difference by prioritising people and the planet above all else.
Each year, on the third Thursday in November, Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) honour
these incredible agents of change who address some of the most pressing challenges, from
reducing inequalities to building sustainable communities.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant as we complete the first year of our Social
Economy West project. Designed to support local third sector organisations in becoming more
financially and environmentally sustainable, the project has enabled us to achieve some
remarkable outcomes. We are proud to have worked alongside various local organisations to
create spaces and support structures where they can bring forward their next growth ideas. This work is made possible by our delivering partners at Business West, VOSCUR and CVS South Gloucestershire and our local allies - Cool Ventures and Bath Spa University, through the Bath Social Impact Network.
I had a pleasure to be in conversation with Matt Smail, Director of the Urban Garden at their
beautiful premises (surrounded by plants) whilst ‘I want to break free’ by Queen was playing in the background. So here is a snippet of my conversation with him on Urban Garden’s journey and how putting people first has led to their current success.
The Urban Garden –
Recent comments from the Britain in Bloom judges– “an inspirational business and a blueprint for other former council nurseries to reuse in this way”
What is the story behind The Urban Garden and when was it established?
Originally established as Grow Yourself CIC in 2015, the social enterprise aimed to provide work placements in gardening and landscaping, successfully helping people transition into employment until 2020. When COVID-19 struck, Grow Yourself faced a pause, just as an opportunity arose to take over a project initially managed by the Genesis Trust. Despite delays due to the pandemic, the garden Centre project ultimately came to fruition.
Today, under the Urban Gardeners project, the enterprise has come full circle—once again
offering gardening services, training, and work placements for community members, just as they did in their early days. It’s a rewarding continuation of their mission, blending skills development with hands-on horticulture.
What motivates you to run the Urban Garden?
A bit about me: what truly motivates me is seeing people transform for the better, especially when they’re working with plants. Watching individuals progress—whether it’s gaining the confidence to step into the garden centre or even securing a job—is incredibly rewarding. Some arrive unsure, even hesitant to step into the centre itself, but through training they find their footing and confidence.
At the heart of our mission is this belief: we use the power of plants to help people grow.
Do you collaborate with other organisations and authorities in BANES?
We work closely with the council, maintaining a strong partnership that allows us to grow about 50% of the plants we sell. Through a cooperative agreement, we provide horticultural therapy and training in exchange for a rent-free space, which has been instrumental in our growth.
We also collaborate with Grow for Life, another Bath-based charity which runs a Tuesday morning session, supporting us with plant cultivation. It’s a meaningful partnership that enriches our mission.
What makes the Urban Garden so resilient in the current times?
At the end of the day, it’s all about the people. Seeing participants progress in training, exploring new ideas, and diversifying our income keeps us moving forward. Personally I love the freedom to switch tasks—like blowing leaves (!) —and not always having to be confined to an office. Meeting a variety of people and building relationships is rewarding, and putting customers first with a genuine, friendly approach makes a real difference: being kind isn’t just good for business; it’s good for the soul! People recognise our mission, and that understanding not only supports our community but also strengthens our sales and sustainability.
What is next for the Urban Garden and what tips would you like to share for someone looking to establish a CIC or a social enterprise?
Our focus now is growing our new garden services project - The Urban Gardeners – which has
seen measurable success in its first 3 months and has helped to support 3 trainees in building their skills and knowledge of gardening.
Given our recent contributions to Bath’s Britain in Bloom success, I’m optimistic for continued
support. A council contract renewal for another 5 years would enable us to confidently invest in upgrades, such as the kitchen and the shed behind the till.
Starting the café kiosk was a great decision. While it pays for itself, it also brings in extra trade.
People who might not have visited before are drawn in by the coffee, and they tend to stay longer, which boosts overall traffic. The spin-off benefits are noticeable, even if the kiosk’s direct revenue isn't huge. Demand for our volunteering sessions continues to remain high and last week we had 15 volunteers with around 40 volunteers actively volunteering with us.
Matt’s advice for growing social enterprises –
“The most important thing is having the right people. Don’t rush into hiring just anyone—finding people with the right skills and a shared vision is essential. It’s also about building a team you genuinely get along with. When everyone shares the same goals and enjoys the work, it makes all the difference.”
The Urban Garden are receiving support through our Social Economy West Project and are
realising the benefits of having a fresh pair of eyes on their future ideas and how to encourage
relationships with other local organisations doing similar work. To know more about the project please visit this page here or contact our Project Manager – Alfiya Khan on alfiya@3sg.org.uk
Photos from The Urban Garden in Bath. Find out more : https://www.theurbangarden.org.uk/
Kommentare