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Dramatic shift for a start-up in domestic violence awareness raising

Commercialising the idea of raising awareness of domestic abuse through performance in the community

Help for SMEs | Mentoring |

The need

A published writer and her sister with over 13 years of assisting police in supporting domestic violence wanted to commercialise their idea of raising awareness of domestic abuse in the community. The plan was to stage shows and films on the subject, but the pair needed business guidance to manage fundraising, setting up their company “Safeword Theatre and Film Production Ltd”, marketing, promotion and engagement with the relevant agencies and communities.

The solution

Bridging the Gap at Brunel stepped in to help the newly set up company with a wide range of business guidance and support, as well as using their local networks to springboard the start-up into its successful launch.  Further funding options have been explored to ensure the company could sustainably operate into the future and expand its offer. 

The outcome

Brunel has helped us immensely on our journey. Their experts have been invaluable in helping us with marketing ideas, and generally keeping us going when things got tough! During our meetings, they listened and gave us gentle professional guidance to turn our ideas into reality. Without Bridging the Gap we would not be where we are today!

Jane Upson, Founder

  • Successful funding from Tesco to enable re-staging of their first play “Waking up dead”.
  • Successful sponsorship from local businesses to stage the production
  • Patronage of Stephen Hammond MP 
  • Successful lottery funding of £10,000 to purchase lighting and sound equipment and stage their play “When the Birds stopped singing”.
  • Working with the local library to make the stage their home stage.
  • Securing free rehearsal space at Metro bank for as long as needed.
  • Gaining the interest of Asst Chief Constable of Cheshire Police who is the National Police Lead in Hate Crime and LGBT

Get in touch with the project team member(s) for this case study

Mrs Gurnam Selvarajah Mrs Gurnam Selvarajah
Email Mrs Gurnam Selvarajah Associate Director of Digital Health and Innovation Partnerships
Gurnam is a talented Director, highly skilled in strategic project design and delivery, who has experience in Telecoms, Technology, Finance, Training, Business Support Services, Public/Private Sector Partnerships, Local Councils and Recruitment. With Operations Management at a senior level, she is prolific in winning new business and created a vibrant successful business which began as a joint venture project at Park Royal Workforce.Gurnam is equally highly accomplished in directing strategy, senior management, networking, customer relationship management and building sustainable and profitable business lines and brings a wealth of experience to her clients' businesses.With a passion for business development, Gurnam has successfully grown businesses whilst confidently delivering tangible business results. She has led business critical projects with budgets up to £130M, identified and managed stakeholders whilst leading teams across business departments. She has demonstrated the capability to deliver across a multitude of business cultures, sectors and projects.For her next challenge, Gurnam is looking to utilize her knowledge and experience in strategic management, project management, operational delivery and business development in an environment where she will make a positive difference to an organizations' people, processes, project delivery and business growth.

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Case study last modified 15/07/2022

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