The Design Cabin Community C.I.C is a multi-award-winning not-for-profit organisation based in the heart of Rochford. It was awarded Social Enterprise of the Year in 2023 at Rochford District Business Awards. Our mission is to build local wealth, develop individuals’ skills and create local entrepreneurial opportunities. Since 2021, the organisation has been working on its wider mission to facilitate the development, and management of community spaces, to support with the cultural, historical and tourist offer, whilst possessing extensive knowledge of Rochford (Essex) and its surrounding areas. It understands the opportunities in the local area and effectively deliver community-led projects across South Essex. Their active engagement in Rochford has garnered local recognition for supporting the town. Notably, their 'Make Your Market, Rochford' program was awarded Start-up Business of the Year 2024 at the Rochford Business Awards. The company has facilitated many public meetings held in the WI Hall covering the Future of Rochford and the Future of Freight House. Supporting Rochford Parish Council and more recently Rochford Residents Steering Group. The financial year from June 2024 to May 2025 marked a significant period of expansion, diversification, and strategic positioning for long-term sustainability. The company strengthened its core programmes, launched new services, and began transitioning into venue management and cultural infrastructure development. Key Projects and Events Make Your Market & Pop-Up Activity Throughout the year, Make Your Market continued to provide vital trading opportunities for micro-businesses across Essex and London: - June 2024 – Rochford Market: Supported 6 micro-businesses and engaged 58 local residents - August 2024 – Basildon Campus: Supported 5 micro-businesses - August 2024 – Garon’s Park: Supported 4 micro-businesses - September 2024 – Newham Launch: Supported 8 micro-businesses - September 2024 – Great Wakering Launch: Supported 15 micro-businesses and 200 residents - February 2025 – Valentine’s Market (Rochford): Supported 12 traders and 83 residents Seasonal highlights included: - Spooktacular Events (October 2024): - Rochford: 15 micro-businesses supported - Southend: 15 micro-businesses and 500 attendees - Christmas Activity (December 2024): - Candlelight Christmas Carols (Sold Out): 251 attendees, supporting 4 businesses - Polar Express Screening: 185 attendees, supporting 3 businesses - December Market: 14 micro-businesses and 200 attendees - Rochford Lights Pop-Up: Supported 5 micro-businesses Additional pop-ups included Southend Lights and Rayleigh Lights, supporting a combined 9 micro-businesses. Big Up Southend Big Up Southend continued as a flagship monthly makers market, supporting local entrepreneurs and driving footfall into the Victoria Shopping Centre. - Hosted regular monthly markets - Supported young entrepreneurs through collaboration with the YES Network - Delivered a public consultation event (January 2025) to shape the future of the market with traders and the community Events, Culture & Community Engagement The company delivered and supported a range of cultural and community events: - Hustings Event (July 2024): Over 80 residents engaged in local democracy - Give It a Go (November 2024): Showcased creative technologies including laser cutting and 3D printing - The Greatest Showman Sing-Along (March 2025): 45 attendees - Cheeks and Cherries Cabaret (March 2025): Over 50 attendees and 7 performers supported The company also became licensed to screen films, opening up new opportunities for accessible community cinema. Boardmasters Festival (August 2024) The companies management team supported one of the UK’s largest festivals (58,000 attendees), delivering customer service operations. This opportunity strengthened the team’s operational capacity and experience in large-scale event delivery. New Services & Trading Activities To support long-term sustainability, the company expanded its earned income streams, launching: - Event Management - Event Planning - Social Conscience Development - Fiscal Hosting Agreements - Event Equipment Hire These services position the organisation to generate independent income alongside grant funding. Venue Development & Strategic Growth A major milestone this year was the company’s transition into venue management and cultural asset development: - January 2025: Supported a public meeting at The Freight House, providing AV and live streaming - March 2025: The company expressed a interest to operate the co Submitted an Expression of Interest for The Freight House - April 2025: Took over management of St Mark’s Hall, securing its continued use as a community space - May 2025: Began preparing a bid for interim management of The Freight House, aimed at demonstrating its potential as a reactivated cultural venue The company was also invited as a key stakeholder in the Blue Sail consultation, contributing to the future vision of The Mill Hall and The Freight House. Community Impact and Recognition The organisation continues to deliver measurable social impact through: - Supporting hundreds of micro-business trading opportunities - Engaging thousands of residents through markets and events - Creating accessible platforms for young entrepreneurs and creatives - Increasing community participation in cultural and civic activities In February 2025, the company’s founder James Edmunds was nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Rochford District Business Awards, recognising leadership and impact. Challenges and Learning As the organisation grows, it continues to navigate: - Increased operational complexity across multiple locations - The transition from project delivery to asset management - The need to balance community impact with financial sustainability Despite these challenges, the company has strengthened its resilience through diversification of income streams and strategic partnerships. Strategic Vision and Place-Based Development Alongside its core delivery, the company has continued to explore a longer-term, place-based approach to supporting the regeneration of Rochford District. This includes early-stage development of a wider concept focused on connecting key local assets, cultural activity, and community infrastructure to strengthen the town’s economic and social resilience. The approach considers how venues, public spaces, and community hubs can work together to create a more vibrant and accessible local offer. As part of this direction, the company is progressing opportunities to establish a more permanent operational base within Rochford, supporting its growing programme of activity and partnerships. The organisation is adopting a phased and evidence-led approach to growth, ensuring that developments are informed by community need, operational learning, and long-term sustainability. This includes: - Exploring opportunities to create a central hub for operations, community engagement, and visitor activity - Supporting the activation and testing of cultural and event-led spaces - Using community venues across the district as satellite locations, enabling wider access to services and participation - Developing a connected model where activity can be shared across sites, including through digital and live-streamed provision This approach reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable regeneration, combining community impact with practical delivery models that can evolve over time. Future Focus Looking ahead, the organisation aims to: - Secure long-term management of a cultural asset in Rochford Town - Develop St Mark’s Hall as a sustainable community hub - Expand Make Your Market and Big Up Southend - Increase earned income through commercial services - Continue building local wealth and entrepreneurial opportunities

Stakeholders - Rochford District Council - Rochford Parish Council - Essex County Council - Southend City Council - Victoria Shopping Centre - Blue Sail Consultants - University of East London - Safe Sport International - Tina Wing Business Photography - Uttlesford District Council - Cultural Engine CIC - Film Bank Media - Local businesses and traders - Community groups and residents Consultation Process - Public meetings and forums - Trader and community feedback sessions - Stakeholder consultations and partnerships - Event-based engagement and surveys Actions Taken in Response to Feedback - Expansion of Make Your Market into new locations - Continued development of Big Up Southend based on trader feedback - Progression into venue management to meet community demand for space - Development of new services to support sustainability

The total amount paid or receivable by directors in respect of qualifying services was £15,413 There were no other transactions or arrangements in connection with the remuneration of directors, or compensation for director’s loss of office, which require to be disclosed.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration