As a proud member of DTA Wales, the Common team recently participated in their engaging Autumn Conference, held at the beautifully refurbished Plaza Theatre, home to YMCA Port Talbot.
DTA Wales CEO, Adam Kennersley, kicked off the day before we dived into the first session:
Workshop 1: Working in Consortia: An Electric Car Club Story
This was a brilliant deep dive into the journey of TrydaNi, a social enterprise electric car club that has successfully scaled across mid-Wales. Their presentation was a masterclass in collaboration, showcasing the power of:
- Blended finance
- Strategic advocacy
- Robust business planning
TrydaNi’s success clearly demonstrates the essential need to collaborate with expert partners like DTA Wales and The Robert Owen Community Bank. It proves that combining great ideas with expert support is key to turning a concept into a thriving reality.
Workshop 2: Community Buildings: Energy Matters
After a productive lunch and networking session, we moved into the second workshop. We heard from two energy consultants who detailed the vital resources and support available to community groups responsible for managing and utilizing buildings. This session was incredibly timely, offering practical steps to tackle the complex challenges of energy costs and sustainability.
Workshop 3: The Architectural Heritage Fund
The day concluded with an insightful session from Adam Hitchings of the Architectural Heritage Fund, who outlined their comprehensive suite of support.
A particularly interesting group discussion followed regarding the barriers in Wales to communities exercising their Right to Bid on assets of community value. It was fascinating (and concerning) to see that the challenges communities face in securing buildings are often the exact same issues we encounter in the wider land market.
Why Events Like This Matter
For the Common team, events like the DTA Wales Autumn Conference are crucial. They provide invaluable opportunities to meet, collaborate with, and develop stronger relationships with other community groups and partners across the sector.
We left with a huge list of action items, a wealth of new knowledge, and a renewed sense of purpose. We’re already looking forward to participating in the next one!
Author: Mark Hilleard, Head of Projects