As a social enterprise committed to supporting local businesses, revitalising communities, and promoting sustainable growth, we have evolved significantly since our founding in 2015. To better align with our objectives and enhance our impact, we have restructured our operations, transitioning into two independent organisations: NNCG (a newly established charity) and Seasons of the Glens CIC (formerly Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC).
Why We Restructured
Previously, all our activities—artisan and general markets, trader support, retail initiatives, caramel sauce production, and event infrastructure provision—were delivered under Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC. Under this structure, we grew into a multi-award-winning organisation, receiving national recognition for our markets, social enterprise initiatives, and food products. Our research shows that for every £1 spent at the market, £1.22 is spent in local businesses, and our social return on investment has been calculated at £18 for every £1 spent.
With guidance from early 2023 to 2024, we developed a plan to improve efficiency, focus, and operations. This led to the creation of two independent legal entities, allowing each to focus on its core objectives while ensuring that businesses, individuals, and communities continue to benefit from the same support, services, and opportunities.
Introducing Seasons of the Glens CIC
Formerly Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC, Seasons of the Glens CIC continues to operate as a not-for-profit social enterprise and now serves as the trading arm of NNCG. This ensures that profits generated from trading activities are reinvested into charitable projects, reducing costs for not-for-profits and benefiting the wider community.
Key Focus Areas:
Retail & Gifting: We operate Basalt & Oak (formerly Artisan Market Online and Seasons of the Glens Fine Food Boutique), offering artisan food, hampers, and bespoke gifting.
Food Production: We continue to produce and sell our award-winning Devils Churn caramel sauces.
Event Services & Infrastructure: We provide event logistics, infrastructure, and hire services to markets, festivals, and community events.
Visitor Information Centre Supply: We continue to supply local food products to Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.
Additional Services: We also deliver Sampling Experiences and offer the hire of Princess Taisie for events and community engagement.
Introducing NNCG (Charity)
NNCG, formed in May 2024, is a charity dedicated to revitalising rural and urban spaces, supporting communities and individuals, and bringing people together through community markets. While we work across Northern Ireland, our main focus remains on creating opportunities for individuals within the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
Key Focus Areas:
Revitalisation: Through markets and other initiatives, NNCG works to animate public spaces, strengthen town and village centres, and create vibrant local communities.
Community Engagement: We deliver initiatives that connect individuals, support grassroots entrepreneurship, and foster social interaction through shared public spaces.
Community Markets: NNCG manages artisan and general markets as a tool to bring people together, support small businesses, and create inclusive trading opportunities.
Supporting Individuals: We provide trading discount schemes for young traders and individuals receiving means-tested benefits to ensure accessibility to economic opportunities.
What This Means Moving Forward
While both organisations are now independent, we remain committed to working together to achieve shared goals where possible. This restructure allows for:
Greater efficiency in delivering services.
Stronger support for individuals, small businesses, and communities.
Our collective mission remains the same: to support individuals, small businesses, enhance community engagement and community spaces, and create positive social impact through sustainable enterprise.
If you have any questions about our restructure or operations, please get in touch—we’d love to hear from you!
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