Julie tells us how a frustration with the pace of local government led her into social enterprise

Julie Harris

How/at what age did you develop a 'social' view of society?

I don't remember precisely, but it was during my mid-teens. It was at that time I started to develop a desire to understand a lot more about how our society was supported and how I could play a role in helping people who were in need of extra support.

This led me to develop a career ambition in local government, in the hope that it would provide a meaningful way of using my skills and passion.

How did that lead into the position you're in now?

I spent over 10 years working in local government, first in clerical and admin roles and then in computer work and research and policy work. My frustration with the very slow pace of decision-making and impact led me to become more and more disillusioned with the approach taken by councils in delivery of services.

After returning to work following my maternity leave, I knew I had to find something with a clearer social benefit, particularly something which would focus on young people and their support needs. At this time, my boss, who was chief executive of a local council, sent me to find out what COSMIC was trying to start up in Ottery, St Mary. I returned from my research visit and handed in my notice!

At the time it felt like the riskiest thing I’d ever done. I left a highly paid job with a range of benefits (including a very nice car), and all that Cosmic could offer me was a 16-hour a week contract with a large chunk of the rest of my time being offered up as a volunteer in order to get things moving.

How does your enterprise work?

COSMIC was established with the key social objectives of providing meaningful training and employment to young people in the local area and also to help local organisations, businesses and individuals make the most of ICT.

These principle social objectives have remained with us and we continue to build on them. We sustain ourselves financially by delivering consultancy and training.

What are your ambitions for the future?

There are opportunities for our work to extend beyond the region and work effectively on a national basis with key partners – it’s all very exciting!

I am passionate about, and proud of, the work COSMIC has delivered in the past and I am confident that we can do so much more in future.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Well, as a truly Devonshire girl, I always wanted to do something related to the beautiful area in which I grew up. The 'local' options at the time were still fairly gender limited, so I thought of working in tourism related areas, such as hotel management or perhaps animal care - working as a stable girl in particular appealed.

A Cosmic IT workshop for Age Concern

What kind of person makes a good social entrepreneur?

The first thing to say is that I am not a keen supporter of the concept of 'entrepreneur', mainly because I think it describes a person who is full of ideas and passion and business flair, but who is not necessarily able to stay the course and make effective operational/technical impact.

I think strong social enterprises are built around strong and passionate teams of people, not just one person. At COSMIC, there is entrepreneurial spirit in many of the people who work here, and we also have the ability to manage, support and develop our business effectively. This has been the major reason for our success and sustainability.

What other social entrepreneurs/businesses do you admire and why?

My admiration for many of the enterprises run by fellow ambassadors has increased as I have learned more about some of the great work being developed around the UK. I’ve always truly admired Tim Smit, his team, and the fantastic achievements at Eden. I also have great respect for Claire Dove and her work at Blackburne House, which I had the privilege of visiting just after taking over as chief executive at COSMIC.

What advice would you give to budding social entrepreneurs?

Stay true to your belief and values and be determined. I have a sign on my office wall saying: ‘failure lies not in falling down, failure lies in not getting up’. In other words, we are all human and we all fail at times, but people who can keep getting back up and keep going through adversity, are the people that social enterprise need. Oh, and try to have some fun while you're at it - take your business seriously, but not yourself!

Why did you become an ambassador?

I want to inspire people of all ages, particularly young people and other women, who understand that a good career should offer good pay and benefits, as well as a real sense of making a difference. I am also looking forward to being able to help the public and customers develop a greater understanding of social enterprise so that we can ensure it becomes the best choice for products, services and support.