Project Colt Mill

What Project Colt Mill does

Project Colt Mill is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1098268) founded in 2003 by Mary Spencer, originally operating from a church basement in Halifax and relocated in 2009 to Bridgefield Mills in Elland, West Yorkshire, where it now operates as an integrated community hub. Its core activities centre on addiction recovery support — including pre-detox support, a day treatment recovery programme, individual counselling, group sessions, and 1-2-1 mentoring — alongside a Progression into Employment Programme that combines practical placements, recognised qualifications (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene, barista training), and volunteer pathways targeted at people facing barriers to work, including prison leavers, those with learning disabilities, and young carers.

The commercial engine is Colt Enterprise Calderdale Ltd (Company No. 05460328), a wholly-owned social-enterprise subsidiary that operates three large sales rooms of new and pre-loved furniture and household goods, alongside a community café, Rusty's Coffee Club barista training, and The Rusty Bike Shed cycling workshop. The enterprise sells donated items at affordable prices, reclaims Gift Aid, and runs an easyfundraising affiliate scheme to generate unrestricted income that subsidises the charity's free-to-participant recovery services.

Revenue is sourced from a diversified portfolio of UK charitable trusts and public-sector funders — Community Foundation for Calderdale, Lloyds Bank Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund, Comic Relief, Garfield Weston, Henry Smith, NHS, Sport England, Calderdale Council, Active Calderdale, Ashworth Charitable Trust, and Awards for All — supplemented by individual donations, crowdfunding (a £15,000 2025 campaign to purchase Bridgefield Mills), goods donations, and in-mill concession income. The operating model integrates those in recovery seamlessly with the general public — visitors reportedly cannot distinguish participants from community members — supported by 61 volunteers, an in-mill directory of over 20 partner concessions, and recognised via The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Name

Project Colt Mill

Legal name

Project Colt

Website

https://projectcolt.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Project Colt is a UK registered charity operating from Bridgefield Mills in Elland, West Yorkshire, delivering free addiction recovery support, employability programmes, and social-enterprise retail to individuals facing addiction, unemployment, and related barriers in the local community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Recovery and Social Enterprise Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Addiction recovery services
• Employability programmes
• Social enterprise retail
• Community recovery hub
• Recovery mentoring support

Headquarters

HQ city

Elland

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Colt Enterprise Sales: Social enterprise operating three large sales rooms offering quality new and pre-loved furniture and household goods at affordable prices. All profits support the charity's core services. Provides a safe community space for people in the third phase of recovery or long-term unemployed individuals.
2. Donations and Grants: Funding received from trusts, foundations, corporate donors, and individual supporters. The organization also operates an easyfundraising scheme where retailers donate when supporters shop online.
3. Goods Donations: Accepts donations of quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, household goods, electronics and bikes. Donated items are sold to fund rehabilitation programmes and community initiatives. Gift Aid can be reclaimed on donated items.
4. easyfundraising: Online shopping donation scheme where over 8,000 retailers make donations when supporters shop through the easyfundraising platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Project Colt Mill is a registered charity that provides free addiction recovery support services (pre-detox, day treatment, individual counselling, group sessions, and 1-2-1 mentoring) and employability programmes (Progression into Employment, recognised qualifications, volunteer placements) to individuals in recovery and the long-term unemployed. The charity operates a social enterprise (Colt Enterprise) selling new and pre-loved furniture, household goods, and local artisan products, with all profits funding the charity's core services. Services are delivered through a community hub at Bridgefield Mills in Elland, West Yorkshire, complemented by sub-brands including Rusty's Coffee Club (barista training) and The Rusty Bike Shed (bicycle repair and cycling club).

Product overview

Project Colt Mill operates as a community charity hub offering a diverse portfolio of services focused on addiction recovery and community support. The core offerings include specialist addiction recovery support services (pre-detox, day treatment programme, counselling, group sessions, and mentoring), combined with employability programmes (Progression into Employment and volunteer placements). The social enterprise arm, Colt Enterprise, operates three sales rooms offering pre-loved furniture and goods, generating funds for core services. Additional services include a community café, barista training via Rusty's Coffee Club, a bicycle repair workshop (The Rusty Bike Shed), and various partner retail concessions. The integrated approach seamlessly blends recovery support services with the general public, creating an inclusive environment where those in recovery participate alongside community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Colt Enterprise: Social enterprise established by Project Colt in 2005 to generate funding for core services. Offers three huge sales rooms with quality new and used furniture and household goods at low, affordable prices.

Products and services

• Addiction Recovery Support Services Specialist support services for individuals recovering from addiction, including pre-detox, day treatment recovery programme, individual counselling, group sessions, and 1-2-1 mentoring support. Provided free of charge to participants in West Yorkshire.
• Progression into Employment Programme Employability programme combining practical placements, recognised qualifications, and employment support to help individuals in recovery and the long-term unemployed re-enter the workforce. Includes a rolling four-month initiative and volunteer opportunities with therapeutic learning.
• Colt Enterprise (Social Enterprise Retail) Social enterprise established in 2005 operating three sales rooms at Bridgefield Mills offering quality new and pre-loved furniture, household goods, and products made by local artisans at affordable prices. All profits support the charity's recovery programmes. Operated via Colt Enterprise Calderdale Ltd (Company No. 05460328).
• Community Café Warm and inviting café providing affordable, freshly made meals and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, serving as a hub for community connection and integrating recovery participants with the general public.
• Rusty's Coffee Club (Barista Training) Barista training programme offering four sessions teaching barista skills and hospitality standards, supporting recovery journeys through skill-building and confidence development. Also operates as a volunteer-led coffee club.
• The Rusty Bike Shed Bicycle repair workshop and Cycling UK community cycling club offering affordable repairs, second-hand bicycles, and group rides twice weekly to support people in recovery from substance dependency, mental, physical, or financial hardships.
• Community Workshops and Training Educational and skill-building workshops covering creative arts, personal development, and vocational training, designed to support recovery and community engagement. Includes art workshops, ceramics, and creative activities delivered by partner artisans.

Quantifiable outcome

• Individuals successfully securing employment after completing programmes
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Alpha HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService for offenders with multiple and complex problems including Drugs and Alcohol dependency, mental health issues, and social/domestic problems.
• The Recovery & Wellbeing CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Co-produces free workshops and courses supporting mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth, co-designed and co-delivered by people with lived experience.
• Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecovery college providing educational courses for mental health and wellbeing.
• Calderdale PCNs' Personalised Care TeamsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary Care Network team providing personalised care support within the community.
• The Rusty Bike ShedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Colt's bicycle repair workshop offering affordable repair and second-hand bicycles to the community. Provides support for people on recovery journeys from substance dependency, mental, physical or financial hardships. Became a Cycling UK community cycling club.
• Rusty's Coffee ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarista training course run by Ingrid Moore with years of barista and hospitality experience. Four-session course teaching all aspects of being a barista and maintaining high standards.
• Serenity Wellbeing GardenssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes supporting mental health and wellbeing through gardening. Founded in May 2021.
• Carly Breame CeramicssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterial research and ceramic practice dedicated to sustainable innovation. Transforms local waste resources into non-toxic, low-impact ceramic glazes. Provides accessible ceramics education and workshops promoting social inclusion and mental well-being.
• Serena RogerssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMixed media artist exploring diverse materials and techniques. Provides art workshops with judgment-free spaces for exploration. Winner of 2024 Visual Art Open Public Choice award in London.
• FuturekraftsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting community initiatives.
• Recovery StepscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing recovery-focused services and support.
• Curious MotionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing creative or movement-based activities.
• The Knitting NanassupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity group providing knitting activities and social connection.
• Boot 66 Walking GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWalking group providing outdoor activity and social connection opportunities.
• Colt Community VoicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity voice initiative. Awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service.
• Elland Repair CafésupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer-led initiative bringing local people together to fix household items, reduce waste, and build a more sustainable community.
• Replenish (Focus4Hope)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndependent preloved charity boutique turning fashion into funds to help vulnerable families in the community. New collaborator welcomed in 2025.
• Opie Vintage & Glam JewellerysupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVintage jewellery business run by Liz. Passion for vintage and modern jewellery, attending pop up events and fairs. New collaborator welcomed in 2025.
• Backbeat BoutiquesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSecond hand records specialist run by Dominic McInnes. New collaborator welcomed in 2025.
• Bo Kloss ArtistsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFreelance illustrator celebrating local culture, history, and community through drawing and painting.
• Rawan HasansupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisual artist specializing in acrylic and mixed media paintings. Facilitates art workshops inspiring participants of all ages to explore artistic potential.
• Crafty OwlerssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing craft activities.
• Boston VintagesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSells vintage clothing and up cycled bespoke items. Also runs a monthly heritage walk around Elland. Run by Struan & James Town.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Nelson Trust: UK charity providing women-only recovery services, supported housing, and employability programmes. Shares Project Colt's recovery-plus-training approach and emphasis on breaking cycles of disadvantage, although distinguished by gender-specific focus.
• Cranstoun: UK charity supporting people affected by addiction, domestic abuse, and the criminal justice system. Closely comparable to Project Colt's recovery and rehabilitation focus, with the additional dimension of housing and resettlement services.
• Humankind: UK charity providing substance use, alcohol, and recovery services alongside employment and housing support. Directly comparable to Project Colt's integrated recovery and employability model, with significantly broader regional coverage across the North of England.
• Changing Lives: UK charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Comparable to Project Colt's combination of recovery support, employability, and community-based services, with a focus on social enterprise and training.
• Phoenix Futures: One of the UK's largest charities providing residential and community-based recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Comparable in mission and service mix (recovery, rehabilitation, employability) though more residential-focused than Project Colt's community-hub model.
• Delphi Trust: UK charity providing employment support, training, and recovery services for people facing barriers to work. Closely comparable to Project Colt's Progression into Employment Programme and combined recovery-plus-work-readiness model.

Broad incumbents

• Turning Point: UK social enterprise providing health and social care services including substance use, mental health, and learning disability support. Overlaps significantly with Project Colt's recovery and employability work but operates as a broader incumbent across multiple service lines.
• The Salvation Army (UK): Large international charitable organization with extensive UK operations including addiction recovery, employability programmes, social enterprise (charity shops), and community hubs. Comparable to Project Colt's integrated community model and pre-loved retail operations, but at vastly larger scale.
• WithYou (formerly Addaction): National UK charity providing free, confidential support for alcohol, drug, and mental health issues. Comparable to Project Colt's core recovery mission but operates at much greater scale with a national footprint and broader service portfolio.

Regional players

• BAC O'Connor: Birmingham-based recovery charity providing residential and community-based drug and alcohol treatment. Comparable in mission to Project Colt but operates in a different geographic region with a more residential-focused service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/project-colt-mill

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Project Colt Mill