As with many Event Cycle clients, the pandemic, coupled with Brexit, caused them to reassess their ways of working. Neos Creative went one step further and changed its business model completely. A combination of material price increases, skilled labour shortages and massive freight cost inflation whilst being constantly wary of sustainability issues within the exhibition industry caused Neos Creative to pivot away from self-construction and installation. The decision was made to sub-contract on every project and to always utilise local sub-contractors, not the easiest approach when Neos Creative constantly operate all over the world!
This new approach removed the need for UK storage facilities, UK construction facilities and all exhibition rental stock. Landfill, although the easiest approach, was never an option and with sustainability in mind, Neos Creative got in touch with Event Cycle to see if they could place the products with charities and community groups.
With a range of items from audio-visual monitors to lounge furniture and bar stools to ladders, catering equipment and lighting fixtures, Event Cycle shared the donation amongst seven different London-based organisations.
Supporting single-parent families by providing support with health and wellness, employment, motivating events and basic education, the Bassuah Legacy Foundation was in need of equipment to further expand its education centre. Computer monitors, speakers, lounge furniture and catering equipment were all donated to support the team providing literacy, numeracy, money management and digital training courses to parents in need.
Another two charities that support active learning, work skills and business training are the Mugeni Association and the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre (RDLAC). Mugeni offers free tuition, workshops and internship to young people from difficult and underprivileged backgrounds whilst the RDLAC serves the same needs on the opposite side of London. They both wanted AV equipment and furniture to furnish their workshop rooms and activity areas supporting those who need it most.
With outdoor activities at their heart, Scout groups and community gardens fill up our list of organisations in the Event Cycle network. With events to run, crafts to creative and life skills to learn the 1st Chertsey Scout Group and the Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre put on a whole range of activities for two very different audiences. The scouts aim to build friendships and considerate citizens with young members aged between 10 and 14 years old. They welcomed the step ladders, fridges and speakers for their summer challenges and events. The community gardens in Vauxhall took some lounge furniture, computer monitors, fridges and an air conditioner to provide a more comfortable space for some of the services they offer supporting women and older carers.
Finally, the remaining computer monitors were shared between the ClearVisionProject and Islington Boat Club to support their back-office staff in their work. ClearVision runs a lending library of braille and handmade books with tactile pictures, for children who are blind and Islington Boat Club provides water-based activities to promote a healthy social life, keeping those at risk away from crime, isolation and supporting individuals with special needs to access water activities.