Neil Logan, director and founder of Roadshow Solutions, explains why he decided to launch a new community interest company
What is Roadshow Solutions?
Basically we convert vehicles into mobile community spaces, usually single or double decker buses. We aim to support the creation of new mobile projects working with charities who see the benefit in this type of engagement. We will also develop our own project delivery ideas like Street Assist Edinburgh. These new project delivery ideas will be funded by the delivery of roadshows where we hope to generate sufficient income from the commercial/charity sectors. Mobile community projects and roadshows have the ability to allow engagement with a much wider audience in any location. It is about taking services to the point of need if you work in the community or taking your product to a wider market in commercial terms.
What inspired you to set it up?
I developed projects in the third sector previously so I know the market, the potential to grow and what support people or organisations need to develop their ideas. Unfortunately, I found that when change isn’t managed properly a very successful venture can very quickly spin out of control and there is nothing you can do about it. So I decided the best way forward was to regain control by setting up Roadshow Solutions and using my previous experiences as a catalyst to develop this new venture.
I now have the freedom to be more creative in developing ideas which I can hopefully self-fund rather than being totally reliant on grant funding
Neil Logan
Why was a Community Interest Company (CIC) model best for you?
In creating Roadshow Solutions, I looked at many different models but I feel that CIC is best for what we hope to achieve. We have the ability to maximise our income through delivering roadshows for either charities or commercial enterprises. Businesses like the idea of working with us as they know that all profits we make will be reinvested into project delivery in communities and is aligned to their corporate and social responsibility. I also feel I now have the freedom to be more creative in developing ideas which I can hopefully self-fund rather than being totally reliant on grant funding.
How many hours do you normally work in a week?
As many as is required right now to make this new venture a success.
Is it better to work for a big or a small organisation?
Having experienced both I don’t really have a preference. Regardless of big or small it is the people who fill the space which are the most important. A good team around you who believe in your ability to lead, mentor and support applies whether you are a big or small organisation.
Do you prefer working with staff or volunteers?
I saw a quote once from Stephen Covey which I truly believe applies regardless whether the person is staff or volunteer: “If you can hire people whose passion intersects with the job, they won’t require any supervision at all. They will manage themselves better than anyone could ever manage them. Their fire comes from within, not from without.”
Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?
Charities across the world already do contribute a great deal to society and who is to say that more could be done. The barrier to this is and probably always will be the constant challenge of securing funding. Why is it that successful projects which we know work often have to cease due to either reduced funding or withdrawal of funding? Other challenges are the duration of funding, often charities are dealing with issues which are long term and in reality a 1-3 year funding cycle will never address the need.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Last Friday night we launched Street Assist Edinburgh which is a new venture delivered by volunteers which provides welfare/first aid to people who become vulnerable on a Friday/Saturday night. The project also supports the emergency services and therefore reduces the number of people attending accident and emergency. To see the delight on the faces of the volunteers that we were able to pull together and create this in such a short space of time was an amazing feeling.
If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
In a previous answer I mentioned having a passion for what you do. The minute you lose that then it is time to move on.
Who is or was your role model?
More than one I’m afraid… My Dad gave me my principles and values. I competed in sport to quite a high level so any sports person who gets to the top of their game as I know how hard it is to get there and any list wouldn’t be complete without having Nelson Mandela in it. More people I admire than actual role models.
What’s your favourite film and why?
Forest Gump for no real reason at all.
What was the last thing you did that scared you?
Taking that leap of faith and deciding to create a new venture just six months after a double hip replacement. Some people said I didn’t have a leg to stand on!
Would your 18-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
For sure, I never thought even 13 years ago when I started my first job in the third sector that I would be where I am now. I have been so lucky to have worked with some amazing people and learned so much. Kelly Glass for giving me my first job, Jimmy Wilson who made me believe in myself and Geoff Riddick who was always the voice of reason. Names many won’t know but mean a great deal to me.
Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
Probably Brian Edward Cox due to the fact my wife is a scientist and I believe young people are more engaged with science because of the way he presents his shows. Seeing the look of wonder on the faces of our nephews when doing scientific things with their aunt is great to see. So, probably go with him as long as he doesn’t sing.
