This episode of Chats with Changemakers is generously sponsored by the Social Enterprise Academy, who champion leadership and learning for people driving social change. Be sure to check out the links in the show notes for accredited and non-accredited opportunities in your area.

A huge thank you to the Social Enterprise Academy for supporting this series and for their ongoing commitment to helping people grow the skills and confidence to create meaningful impact. 

Find Out More About Social Enterprise Academy

https://socialenterprise.academy/

-

In this episode of Chats with Changemakers, host Kate Duffy speaks with Vicky Morgan, founder of Repurposeful CIC, a Northumberland-based social enterprise focused on creative reuse, sustainability, and community-led impact.

Vicky shares her journey into social entrepreneurship, exploring how a personal search for purpose led to the creation of Repurposeful CIC — a social enterprise tackling waste reduction through a community scrap store, inclusive volunteering, and sustainable growth practices.

The conversation dives into the realities of building a social enterprise from the ground up, including navigating imposter syndrome, developing a growth mindset, and learning how to grow sustainably without burning out. Vicky explains the importance of community engagement, how inclusive volunteering can support people facing barriers to participation, and why flexibility is essential when building values-driven organisations.

Key Takeaways

Repurposeful CIC is a Northumberland-based social enterprise focused on reuse and sustainability.

Vicky Morgan’s journey began with a personal search for purpose and impact.

Starting before everything is figured out is often necessary in social entrepreneurship.

Sustainable growth should be intentional, values-led, and community-focused.

Inclusive volunteering creates opportunities for people with barriers to participation.

Community engagement is essential to building long-term social impact.

The “GPS approach” supports flexibility and resilience in strategy planning.

Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for social enterprise founders.

Creative reuse plays a key role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Building a social enterprise is a continuous learning journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vicky's Journey

03:30 The Birth of Repurposeful CIC

06:17 Understanding the Triple Impact Model

08:54 Challenges and Milestones in Establishing a Scrap Store

11:53 Community Engagement and Volunteer Involvement

14:35 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Entrepreneurs

17:16 How to Support Repurposeful CIC

18:58 Embracing the Journey of Growth

21:29 Permaculture Principles in Organisational Development

23:14 The GPS Approach to Strategy and Resilience

23:16 Outro

Useful Links

Learn More About Repurposeful CIC

https://www.repurposeful.org.uk/

Connect with North East Support Directory on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/p/Repurposeful-CIC-100075999095850/

Connect with Kate Duffy and Junction Point CIC

● Website: https://junctionpoint.co.uk/

● LinkedIn:   / kateduffyuk  

● Facebook:   / junctionpointuk   

● Instagram:   / junctionpointcic   

Come and join our free 'North East Changemakers Community' on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YA7oQVvd3/