Entrepreneurs Unlocked has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the Build Back Up Project to help prison leavers into self-employment.

£10,000 of funding is needed by the Build Back Up Project for 30 prison leavers to gain work in the construction industry over six months, carve out a new career and help them avoid re-offending.

What Is The Build Back Up Project?

The Build Back Up Project will work with prison leavers that are seeking to gain work as self-employed construction subcontractors. They will access training resources to inform them how to find work in the sector and be provided with essential tools and workwear to enable them to accept any work offer. In addition, they will be supported with their HMRC registration and help to complete their first self-assessment if needed.

It was the success of working with other prison leavers that gave David Morgan of Entrepreneurs Unlocked the inspiration for the Build Back Up Project.

David Morgan, the Founder and Director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said, “It is essential that we support prison leavers keen to make a fresh start with a new career. The construction industry, with its skills shortage, is the perfect place to do it, and by becoming a subcontractor, workers can be in control of their income and contract opportunities. More importantly, they will be much less likely to re-offend and return to prison.

On average, 45% of adults released from custody re-offend within 12 months. The total cost of re-offending in the UK exceeds £18 billion annually.

“As construction and infrastructure projects continue on COVID-safe sites, demand for workers continues to rise with more subcontractors needed. Build Back Up will not only help the individual but will also help to address the skills shortage in the construction industry.”

Bob’s Build-Back-Up Story

One of the inspirational stories that prompted David Morgan to launch the Build Back Up Project was Bob. He was released from custody in the middle of 2020.

Bob said: “Upon release from prison, I wanted to become a registered tradesman, but I needed the credentials, help and advice to secure work on construction sites. I was introduced to David Morgan and Entrepreneurs Unlocked, who helped me to gain everything I needed to get back on my feet.”

Entrepreneurs Unlocked collaborated with other agencies so that Bob could secure a CSCS card and be provided with a set of hand tools, and assisted him with navigating HMRC requirements to gain his UTR and become a registered subcontractor.

Bob has now worked on various construction sites, gained new construction skills, and is using the help of Entrepreneurs Unlocked as a springboard for finding more work and a steady income.

The Build Back Up Project, a crowdfunding campaign, opens on March 1 and closes on March 31.

To learn more about the Build Back Up Project, visit their website, or contact usfor more information!