Enterprise Radio
Businessman and keen musician Ivor Humphrey was struggling to get his music on air so he dreamed of creating his own radio station. Three years on, he has the station but his tracks remain unplayed because of his mission to make Enterprise Radio a force for community development around the UK.
The fledgling on-line station, which broadcasts a mix of live and on-demand audio and video clips, is now a template for energising change. It is offering neglected communities the opportunity to be heard and gives local business a route to affordable advertising that is specifically targeted.
It also offers a vibrant mix of arts, business, music, news and local programming that is reaching 22 communities in Leicester, 49 regions in the UK and 78 locationsaround the world.
"I've been so busy I still haven't got round to getting my jazz played yet," jokes Ivor (pictured right), a keyboard and bass player in his spare time. "I just got consumed by the potential for the venture. It brings people and businesses together and the feedback has been really good.
"Local groups feel they are under-represented by traditional media and small businesses find it difficult to reach their targets with advertising in big papers and radio stations and the cost is often out of their budget.
"I saw a classic gap in the market. Enterprise Radio gives the community a voice and helps local business. This is targeted broadcasting that can play a huge part in the economic growth of Leicester and other areas around the country."
Ivor spent two years researching and developing, invested £20,000 of his funds and, last November, as part of the Enterprise Week Event, Enterprise Radio burs tinto life. Its inclusive approach was an instant hit in the deprived Highlands area of Leicester where the broadcast suite was established.
Listeners access the service via the internet and Enterprise Radio provides an engaging combination of news, music and programming as well as the opportunity to listen to mainstream stations.
Advertisers can reach their markets for 64p per day and local debates and meetings can be beamed out live. Enterprise Radio is based in the East Midlands but is hoping to grow around the UK with media suites in major cities offering local employment and empowering ‘forgotten' communities not served by existing media.
"We already have 5,000 unique listeners and we are growing," adds Ivor, 51. "We want to empower the community and give it a voice and we are really keen to showcase what a community can do.
"We are committed to identifying what might be needed in a community and then helping make that happen. Enterprise Radio is something that can spark ideas."
The station's presence has encouraged a new spirit of potential in Highfields, Leicester, an inner city area with high unemployment and crime issues. It has put on practical courses in computers skills; graphic design and page lay-out and website creation so that community groups and start-up small businesses can acquire skills and thrive.
Ivor, whose background is in print and publishing for pressure groups and the ThirdSector, has also encouraged local businesses to share expertise and work together to improve the prospects of the community.
Enterprise Radio has organised breakfast club meetings to attract business owners and entrepreneurs to showcase the best of black enterprise and the latest brought a diverse audience ranging from business development concerns, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club and DeMontfort University.
"There are energy and aspiration in Highfields and many other communities that have just not had the chance to breathe," adds Ivor, who has worked in the co-operative movement and is keen to promote collaboration.
"Maybe they haven't been given the lead they need and this is about breaking down barriers so people can succeed and live up to their potential. I'd like to see Enterprise Radio grow around the country.
"I've shied away from funding because I am concerned there could be a danger of being reliant on grants but the next stage of development - which will open up many communities and provide jobs - will probably need some funding.
"There is so much potential out there and it is wonderful to give it a chance to flourish. We are opening doors to opportunities because we are giving small and medium businesses a platform and allowing community groups to get stronger and reach more people."