The Open London project is delivered by Newable on behalf of the Greater London Authority and funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, It fosters collaboration between residents, corporations and SMEs to enhance living standards by addressing socio-economic, health and environmental challenges in London.
The project has supported over 90 SMEs and social enterprises through its Accelerator Programme, with successful businesses securing funding and partnership opportunities across the Health and Wellbeing, Social Care, Environment, Energy and Housing sectors.
The below case study showcases the benefits of being involved in the Open London project.
Transforming community services with a ‘smart’ platform
KEYS has developed an innovative smart-community platform dedicated to revolutionising how developers, local authorities, and residents interact with and benefit from on-demand services. Their primary mission is to deliver a dedicated on-demand services infrastructure for housing. This allows communities to connect digitally with an array of services designed to streamline and enhance the living experience in mixed-use developments. Services span diverse needs from repairs and maintenance to car clubs, bike sharing, car washing and house cleaning among others.
Despite having a concept, KEYS faced significant barriers before it could effectively bring its services to the market. The main hurdles included a lack of funds, resources, and crucial partnerships necessary for trials. This initial phase prevented the company from realising its vision and delayed its impact on community services.
The turning point with Open London
The avenue for transformation began at the end of October 2023 when KEYS embarked on its support journey with the Open London Accelerator Programme. Through meticulous engagement with 121 adviser consultations and specialised workshops, KEYS found the support it desperately needed. The programme’s focus on pitching for partnerships proved a success for the company, culminating in a remarkable top two finish in a competition and the awarding of a £5,000 grant.
The impact of the support for KEYS was both immediate and profound. With newfound resources, KEYS expedited the development of its solution and enhanced its capacity to articulate its vision to potential customers more compellingly. This support also enabled the company to increase its design resources and refine its market strategy through intensified market research. As a result, KEYS has not only accelerated its product development cycle but also positioned itself more assertively in the marketplace.
Looking forward to transformation
Since engaging with the Open London project, KEYS has undergone a transformative journey, becoming a testament to the effectiveness of targetted support in catalysing start-up success. This partnership has laid a robust foundation for KEYS to advance its mission of delivering unparalleled on-demand services that connect and empower communities.
As a delegate of the first Open London Accelerator cohort, KEYS expresses immense pride in its achievements and gratitude for the exceptional opportunity to collaborate with the Open London team.
The company looks forward to continuing its growth trajectory, fueled by the strategic insights and valuable support received. The KEYS story is not merely one of overcoming initial market entry challenges but a compelling narrative of innovation, resilience, and community empowerment.
Client testimonial
“The Open London project has provided a fantastic opportunity to work with the advisers and wider team. We are incredibly proud to be a success within the first cohort of the Open London Accelerator programme”
To find out how we can support your business with launching a new product or service, contact a member of the team at openlondon@newable.co.uk