How it all started
Bootstrap was founded in 1977 by Helen Evans and Martin McEnery. They’d experienced success setting up a multiracial co-operative housing association for low income families and by 1977 the project was so successful they decided to see if the same concept could be applied to employment creation.
Bootstrap was founded in 1977 by Helen Evans and Martin McEnery. They’d experienced success setting up a multiracial co-operative housing association for low income families and by 1977 the project was so successful they decided to see if the same concept could be applied to employment creation.
Despite resistance at the time from Islington and Hackney Councils they registered ‘Bootstrap Company’ as a charity and set themselves up on Conewood Street, Islington, in a converted dairy. They started workshops in toy making, knitting and bike repair, providing space, advice, a creche and some financial support.
The charity’s activities developed through working with unemployed residents on estates in Hackney, Lambeth and Camden. These estate services offered residents advice and information about jobs and training opportunities.
Later, the support work moved from the estates to Bootstrap’s home in Dalston. Bootstrap has worked in Dalston, Hackney – one of most deprived council areas in England – since 1980. Over time the activities grew to include the provision of managed workspace and we are now home to more than 100 organisations, including small businesses, creative and social entrepreneurs, charities and start-ups.
Throughout 40 years of change, we remain a charity. We look to offer support to our tenants to grow into sustainable businesses and to be socially enterprising, and we empower young people by arming them with skills, knowledge, tools and a network to succeed professionally.
What we do now
Responsible Business Practice
We promote responsible business by ensuring all of our tenants pay the London Living Wage, by supporting ex-offenders re-entering employment, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the recruitment and retention practices of our members.
Young People Support
We help young people in Hackney to make informed career choices through running Industry Insight Days, promoting Work Experience and offering Career Mentorship.
Charity Support
We support our tenant charities to deliver their charitable objectives. We establish skill- based employee volunteering partnerships between our commercial and charity tenants.