Fredericks Foundation

The Fredericks Foundation is a British charity that helps the disadvantaged to move into self-employment.

Charitable work

The Fredericks Foundation was established in 2001 by entrepreneur Paul Barry-Walsh[1] with the central aims of assisting the disadvantaged into self-employment, supporting those in financial hardship either to set up in business or obtain paid employment,[2] and helping those whose businesses are struggling in times of difficult economic conditions.[3] Fredericks is a Registered Charity (no 1086562)[4] and a Member of CDFA[5] in the UK.[6]

The Fredericks Foundation has made over 950 loans[7] in its first ten years at an average of £4,500 per loan.[8] Historically Fredericks has concentrated on start-up microfinance for the financially disadvantaged. Prime Minister David Cameron attended the 10th Anniversary Conference at Blenheim Palace to launch the Fredericks Oxfordshire operation.[9]

Fredericks is lending across the South of England using a locally managed fund strategy.[10] This strategy allows for the development of local knowledge and contacts in each area, while retaining the efficiencies of central loan servicing and other support through the Lightwater, Surrey office. A Client Manager assesses applications and brings clients to Lending Panels of local business people for decision. Under this approach funds are ring-fenced within a specified geographical area and the local business community is engaged to support and advise. The Lightwater ‘back office’ disburses loans and manages collection.[11]

A key feature of Fredericks is its use of volunteered resources such as rooms and time given pro bono. Advisory Boards, Lending Panel members and mentors come from the local business community.[11]

References
  1. "Julie Meyer: A day in entrepreneur country - Commentators - Opinion". The Independent. 2009-07-01. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  2. "Giving is no longer a government preserve". Telegraph. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  5. "CDFA". Cdfa.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-11-03.
  6. "Our members". Cdfa.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  7. "Unemployment and enterprise: joined-up thinking is urgently required". Real Business. 2011-10-13. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-07-22. Retrieved 2012-02-23.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. Hartford, Maggie (2010-12-16). "Microfinance in Oxfordshire (From The Oxford Times)". Oxfordtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  10. "News & Press Releases - West Somerset Council". Westsomersetonline.gov.uk. 2011-08-11. Archived from the original on 2012-08-05. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  11. "Fredericks Foundation Annual Report 2010/11" (PDF). Fredericksfoundation.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-08. Retrieved 2013-11-03.
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