Radiate Festival

Watching the journey & story of Plush SE16's displacement is a reminder that real community is largely created by individuals & small self-funded businesses; not the large well funded public organisations, charities or even CICs. There is a common sign often posted in shops that I have read since being a child - "Please don't ask for credit as refusal often offends". The reality of this sign is that for small businesses credit is often STILL given. Whether it's letting someone off a penny or pound, allowing someone to pay next week or end of the month, throwing in that extra product, giving advice for free or at a discount - it is all forms of credit. Small businesses are the arterial connectors of community both deprived, enriched & everything in between. Many organisations which are grant funded are only in operation when funding is available, when it is done, the services also cease. For most small businesses, families have to work for free in that business to help support the legacy of the venture, weather the storms & to ensure its survival. All of this labour is love & is poured into the community it serves. The support & acknowledgement given to those reaching into their own pockets to give community an anchoring of placement, a voice to be heard & sense of belonging is sadly overlooked with a nonchalant disregard by so many. There are heroic people around us who need the protection to keep thinking & acting from the heart. Will we keep waiting for high engagement numbers, celebrity endorsements or popular statistics to see the value that small business brings to our community, culture & local economy? Plush SE16 did many things & broke some barriers over