School of Business
Unity Swimming CIC
Established: 2022
Legal structure: Community Interest Company
Who we are
95% of Black adults, 93 % Asian adults, 80% of Black children and 78% of Asian children in the UK do not swim. This is why Unity Swimming exists. We provide a safe space to improve swimming confidence and build positive mental health. We build fitness, teach water safety and provide aquatics career support and funding for Black and Asian communities. We involve the whole family through information sessions and fun days.
The challenge
Unity Swimming was seeking a strategic framework to scale vision beyond local swimming lessons into a national movement for change in UK aquatics. The business had been trading for some time but needed to develop partnership working and new income streams to achieve national plans. The business required help to refine the message, develop the value proposition, and develop strategies to widen and deepen impact.
What was required
Unity Swimming wanted to build a sustainable business to provide wider services for local people, whilst staying true to their commitment of providing low-cost services. The challenge was to develop a value-added provision of worth to potential funders.
Tools used:
- Business modelling
- Exploring possibilities
- Seeking partnerships
- Business planning
- Action planning
The support package assisted Unity Swimming to move from an ideas stage to implementation of a consolidated partnership and to pull down finance from partners and funders to deliver innovative new services. Plus, the development of children’s books.
Growth acceleration through
Business modelling: Defining problems and seeking innovative ways of addressing challenges.
Taking time out to work on the business, instead of in the business. Having time to explore different options and initiatives.
Business planning: Repackaging the elements of a business plan into messages that attract key partners, funders and target audiences. Developing attractive marketing materials. Developing Swim Fearless as a new offer.
Action planning: Developed a partnership through the Growth Accelerator networks that led to a major collaboration with another participant, UOCEAN 2050, called ‘Beyond The Surface’. This is a national initiative addressing the drowning disparity and lack of diversity in British aquatics.
“The Growth Accelerator project elevated Unity Swimming's work onto a larger platform and opened doors to influence systemic change at a national level. The programme helped us to:
✓ Clarify our business model and revenue streams (leading to the creation of Swim Fearless as a separate offer, reaching new communities and providing extended services)
✓ Build confidence in pitching and storytelling around our work
✓ Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of mission-driven businesses
✓ Secure our first commissioned project with Swim England to develop educational content on overcoming stereotypes in swimming
The Growth Accelerator didn't just help us grow a business; it helped grow a movement. We are incredibly grateful for the experience and the ongoing support.”
Katrice Rodrigues, Unity Swimming, Swim Fearless and Beyond the Surface
