Trilein / Urban and Community Regeneration Consultants

Client list & case studies

Some clients need to start from scratch; it's okay if you aren't sure exactly what you want or need.  We will be there to help you build your project from the ground up, working alongside you all the way. 

Other clients will have quite detailed ideas of what they want to do and where they want to go, and we can tailor solutions to meet your needs, although sometimes what you may also need is to have some tough questions asked of your ideas.

A small selection of case studies is provided below to illustrate a range of recent work we have carried out. You can use the quick links below to skip to each case study or you can scroll down through the list:

You can also see the sorts of people we've worked for by downloading our client list.

BIG Lottery

myplace programme support team

About the project

We are part of the team delivering the support contract for the BIG Lottery’s £270m myplace funding programme in England.  The purpose of myplace is to create world class places for young people to go.

Activities carried out

We have provided a range of bespoke support to projects from information guides, to workshops and one to one support.

We are currently providing intensive viability support to projects in the West Midlands and South West regions, working with successful applicants to review and develop their business plans, including support in generating a diverse funding package including private sponsorship, marketing and governance support and clear outcomes and ‘stories of change’.

Results of our work

The programme is still underway, with most projects currently being built. With our support, several projects have improved their prospects. Much of our support is currently focused on Local Authorities that had previously intended to fund the revenue costs of facilities themselves, but that now have to move from public sector delivery models for youth facilities to commissioned/outsourced third sector options in response to significant funding pressures.

“The Walsall myplace proposal benefitted considerably from the help and support of the team. The capital plan, the work with young people and the partnership aspects were stronger and more sustainable, and the partners were pleased with the outcomes of the various workshops led by the myplace support team.”

Ian Cruise Taylor, myplace programme officer for Walsall Council

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The Environment Centre, Swansea

Viability review

Purpose of the commission

The Environment Centre in Swansea was one of the pioneer environmental organisations in Wales; it is a charity and company limited by guarantee, operating from its own premises in Swansea and carrying out a wide range of activities, including events, information provision to the general public, and an educational programme.

As with many third sector organisations, the Centre is reliant on public funding, and although it had been very successful in raising public funds, its resources were dwindling and services were being lost. The Centre asked us to review their funding and how they might become more financially sustainable as part of a strategic review of the organisation.

Activities carried out

We carried out a strategic review of the organisation. We benchmarked the Centre with similar organisations across the UK and drew out useful points of learning; we carried out a series of interviews with a range of the Centre’s key stakeholders; we delivered 2 e-surveys (with the Centre’s broader stakeholders and with local schools); and we delivered 3 facilitated workshops to explore the issues facing the Centre and prioritise the way forwards in an action plan.

Results of our work

Our report outlined a number of key issues and provided a range of recommendations including new product areas, and alterations to working practices. Following our final workshop to assist the Centre in prioritising its actions, the Centre is in the process of adopting our recommendations, already with some successes.

“The service was very professional, but at the same time felt personal and friendly. The resultant report was well thought out and written with clarity.

Your work has certainly helped us see with new eyes and start to take large steps forward toward where we wish to be. Your approach was very good at bringing people of differing opinions together. Any difficult situations were tackled with tact and good humour.

It has been my pleasure to have now worked with you in a number of different situations and I have no hesitation in recommending your services to others.”

Jenny Edwards, Manager, The Environment Centre, Swansea

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Dylan Thomas Prize

Project development support

About the project

The Prize is one of the largest literature prizes in the world. It was founded to support young fiction writers, writing in the English language anywhere in the world. 

The Prize is awarded once every two years; the first £60,000 award was made to Rachel Tresize in 2006; the second award was made to Nam Le in November 2008.

From 2010 the Prize became an annual £30,000 award, with the 2010 Prize won by American poet Elyse Fenton.

Activities carried out

We provided bespoke business support and project management services to the Prize since its inception.  We provided financial forecasting and management support as well as an integral role in the development of the governance of the Prize, development of sponsorship and funding packages, and input in to its day to day operations. Latterly, we have provided project management support to develop the original Prize as well as assisting to establish a new e-Reader Prize along with an educational programme.

Results of our work

With our support the Prize has become an established social enterprise, delivering high quality events and profile to the Swansea and South Wales region. The Prize has now moved to an annual format, with high profile sponsorship from Sony and a growing international profile.

"You were perhaps the first to spot the potential of the Prize and I am certain that the Prize would not have taken off had it not been for your initial lead.

In all of this you were indispensable. Your advice was always sage and you skilfully handled relations with a host of local bodies, not least the local authority.

To an unusual degree you combine administrative sagacity with artistic flair and enthusiasm. In other words you are a truly creative administrator and one with a sharp understanding of how local authorities and other public bodies operate."

Professor Peter Stead, Chairman of the Dylan Thomas Prize

www.dylanthomasprize.com

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Forestry Commission Wales

Cydcoed programme project support

About the project

The Forestry Commission Wales received Objective One funds and delivered a £16m funding programme supporting communities to take ownership of woodlands through their Cydcoed: Woodlands for All programme. The Forestry Commission required support for two initiatives; initially supporting potential applicants to develop strong project proposals, and latterly providing support to funded projects.

Activities carried out

In the initial support contract we supported 9 projects to refine their funding applications and negotiate the applications process. In the later support phase, we worked with 36 projects in South Wales, assisting them to physically, financially and technically complete their projects on time and on budget. We also worked with the Cydcoed administration team to bring the Cydcoed programme to a successful conclusion. The work required a detailed understanding of the needs of community organisations, an ability to respond rapidly and constructively to challenges, and experience in the administration of public funds. he work involved review of a range of materials, and identification and engagement with a range of key stakeholders through one-to-one interviews and focus groups.

Results of our work

As a result of our work in the first phase, all of the projects that we supported secured the funding that they had applied for. In the latter contract, again all projects were brought to physical, financial and technical completion on time and on budget.

"[You were] an excellent communicator, empathising with the difficulties faced by community groups whilst working with them to find solutions.  Your judgements were invariably sound and very well thought through - you instinctively knew how to work with, not for community groups - and your cheerful and positive approach to work is a delight!  Feedback from groups was nothing but positive.  All deadlines were met to a high standard and as well as being skilled at higher-level complex development work, you understand that the finer project detail is important too.

We have greatly enjoyed working with you and have no hesitation at all in recommending you to others."

Barbara Anglezarke, Forestry Commission Wales Cydcoed Manager

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Trallwm Community Hall

Project development

About the project

Trallwm Community Forum and Trallwm Community Hall Committee had repeatedly failed to secure funds to redevelop their community facilities. They required a feasibility study, including architects drawings, input from quantity surveyors and a business plan for the redevelopment of their community centre as well as support with funding applications. 

Activities carried out

We consulted with key stakeholders and developed a workable business plan for the non-profit community organisation to adopt. We also developed designs for the building, along with costings and adjusted these to fit likely available budgets, all the while focusing on the scale of the scheme and the likelihood of attracting capital funding. We also supported the community in their application for capital funding.

Results of our work

As a result of our work the community were successful in securing half a million pounds of capital funding and we were subsequently retained to project manage the capital works. We maintained and ensured close support for the community organisation for their re-assurance and capacity to constructively oversee the process. The scheme opened for business in early 2010 and has been used as an exemplar project for other schemes in the area.

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Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

Click here to see our dedicated pages on CSR to see how we can help you.

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