I’m writing to you from SuperScrimpers: Waste Not Want Not, a new television series that’s currently airing on Channel 4.  We’re on the hunt for Britain’s thrifty men and women who’re happy to share their tips on how to spend wisely and not waste unnecessarily.  Every week our presenter Mrs Moneypenny is also helping a family, couple or individual who wants to get their spending under control. 

We’re currently looking for a family that needs help with their household finances.  If they have a goal in mind, such as saving for a deposit for a house, a wedding or their kids’ futures, Mrs Moneypenny will come up with a plan for them to achieve their dream.  I’m wondering if any mums might fit the bill and be interested in taking part in the show? 

If any of your mums are interested in talking to me please call me on 0208 222 4647 or email me at this address with their details.  Please feel free to pass on my contact details to anyone who might be able to help us find a family.     

Yours sincerely,

Janet Chute

Assistant Producer

SuperScrimpers: Waste Not Want

Are you running a small social enterprise that can be scaled up quickly? Are you looking for funding and expertise? Or do you have an excellent idea and a business  plan but just need help getting started? We can help!

UnLtd, the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs have funded many thousands of innovative ideas, including Women Like Us, which helps women find work after starting a family.

We have an exciting new opportunity : the Big Venture Challenge. This is a national competition to find the 25 most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England and is being run by UnLtd, together with the Big Lottery Fund. Communities across England are facing increasing social needs as a result of public sector constraints and we are looking for entrepreneurs with ideas to deliver alternative solutions.

We are keen to encourage more mums to apply – not least because a high proportion of ideas submitted to the television programme Dragon’s Dencome from mums to young children. There is a lot of innovation and imagination out there – all that is needed is advice and funding, both of which we can provide.

Winners will get an initial £25K and the chance to access up to £150K of seed investment (if matched by loans or equity from co-investors), plus first class business support and mentoring, designed to keep pace with high growth social entrepreneurs.

In other words, we need:

?         people with big ideas to transform disadvantaged communities across England;

?         people who have got what it takes to build credible ventures;

?         people who have the ambition to scale up impact fast.

Some press coverage here , and if you have any questions please contact Sinead Hanks on sineadhanks@unltd.org.uk or call 020 7566 1116