In a powerful response to the collapse of Clarity, the UK’s oldest social enterprise, a new venture called Amplify Goods is emerging with a mission to create meaningful job opportunities for the disabled, homeless, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Founded by former Clarity executive Camilla Marcus-Dew, Amplify Goods aims to sustain the social mission that Clarity once championed, while addressing the pressing needs of its community.
The Fall of Clarity
Founded in 1854, Clarity was dedicated to providing employment to blind and visually impaired individuals. At its peak, the enterprise enjoyed patronage from notable figures such as Queen Victoria and actress Joanna Lumley. However, the organisation faced a devastating downfall in 2020, when a significant deficit in its pension fund led to its closure.
Nicholas Marks, who acquired Clarity after it fell into administration, promised to uphold its legacy but ultimately failed to protect the jobs of its disabled workers. “He wasn’t interested in growing jobs for disabled people and even protecting the jobs for the disabled people that we had working with us, which was truly heart-breaking to watch unfold,” reflected Marcus-Dew, who was the head of commercial operations at Clarity. The fallout resulted in over 100 workers being laid off without pay, leaving the company owing more than £400,000 to its employees.
A New Beginning with Amplify Goods
Undeterred by the challenges of the past, Marcus-Dew has channelled her experiences into Amplify Goods, which operates from a large warehouse managed by the homelessness charity Crisis in London. The enterprise provides paid work experience at the London living wage for those who often find themselves on the margins of society. “The longer you’re out of employment, you start to lose confidence that you do have something to offer even just in being yourself,” explained Pasha Michaelsen, co-founder of Amplify Goods.
Among the workers is Taylor, who has autism and verbal dyspraxia. She expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I like to get out of the house so I can get money and buy my own stuff.” The job not only offers Taylor financial independence but also valuable skills that she can showcase on her CV. Another worker, known as Gentle Al, shared his experience as a first-time employee, stating, “I like coming here, learning new skills.”
Sustainable Products, Sustainable Impact
Amplify Goods focuses on sustainability, producing soap products designed to minimise waste. The soap bars are packaged in reused cardboard, while liquid soaps come in refillable bottles. This commitment to environmental responsibility is coupled with a core mission of social impact. Amplify Goods operates as a social enterprise, meaning it is run as a business while prioritising its social objectives. More than half of its profits are donated to charitable causes.
The primary customers for Amplify’s products include businesses looking for corporate gifts and washroom supplies, along with direct online sales to the public. The initiative aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, demonstrating that even small purchases can support a larger mission of social good.
Empowering Through Employment
Amplify Goods has already made strides in transforming lives. Yusuf Hussein, a former taxi driver who lost his job and faced personal difficulties, found new hope through a work experience placement with Amplify. “They did give me assurance like ‘OK, it’s not the end of the life, we’ll help you and you’ll get somewhere’,” he shared, now thriving in a customer service role at Network Rail.
In its inaugural year, Amplify Goods generated over 1,000 hours of work, and while it is still in its early stages, Marcus-Dew remains optimistic about the potential impact. “It was a massive loss for the disability sector when Clarity went under. So, will we ever have businesses again that are of that scale, that are public facing, doing those amazing things? Maybe not, but we’re doing it in our own way now at Amplify Goods,” she said.
Why it Matters
The revival of a social mission through Amplify Goods encapsulates the resilience of community spirit and innovation in the face of adversity. By focusing on employment for the disadvantaged, this new enterprise not only fills a critical void left by Clarity’s demise but also reaffirms the importance of social responsibility in modern business practices. As consumers increasingly seek out companies that align with their values, Amplify Goods stands as a testament to how purposeful entrepreneurship can foster empowerment and change lives for the better.
