Training 20 Adults in the Poorest Area of Bulgaria

Dear friend and supporter of our work in the poorest region of Europe

I hope that you are well and looking forward to Christmas and the New Year.  I want to use this opportunity to update you regarding two pro-active and positive developments here in Vidin.

Phoenix Inspire's motto is 'creating opportunities, inspiring success'.  By the time we move into 2017 Phoenix Cafe will have been in operation three and a half years.  After being lied to by various politicians and ignored by those in power or with influence, Phoenix Cafe was created to fulfil the aims and objectives of Phoenix Inspire, i.e. to give people of this region a 'chance and to inspired to success'.  Phoenix Cafe and Bakery is doing just that; giving people a chance. Phoenix Cafe and Bakery, as it has been known for the past year, has established a wonderful reputation for the quality of its products, the service that it provides, the atmosphere within and the values that it holds.

As we move into 2017 we are about to expand those chances and opportunities for the benefit of Bulgaria. 

Niki (our number two at Phoenix Cafe and Bakery) and his wife have been working with us for almost two years.  During those two years Niki became a trustee of Phoenix Inspire and has shown commitment and an understanding of why Phoenix Cafe was created.  From January 2017 onwards Niki will take over the management and operations of Phoenix Cafe and Bakery Vidin. Niki is being given a unique opportunity on a plate.  The complete social enterprise is being handed over to Niki and his family.  I am confident that no Bulgarian has ever been handed such an opportunity.  In order to fulfil certain criteria Niki will have to employ from a disadvantaged background, maintain the 'Englishness' of the product range, the quality and the reputation of Phoenix Cafe and Bakery.  The trustees of Phoenix Inspire will oversee how Niki proceeds.

As I withdraw from Phoenix Cafe and Bakery it allows me the time and freedom to develop a new opportunity.  In recent months I have been encouraged and inspired to develop a new social enterprise which is similar to that of a charcuterie.  This new opportunity has evolved in order to meet the needs of clients.  For those of you who do not live in the country you will not be aware that you cannot purchase good quality charcuterie products in Bulgaria.  I have been producing (on a limited scale) 'English' style bacon, gammons, hams and other charcuterie products with great success.  As a result their popularity demand has increased here in Vidin and in Sofia.  Bulgarian are telling me that there is a growing demand for quality products; products that are crafted and have flavour.

The Masters Larder has been registered as a new social enterprise.  The Masters Larder will once up and running employ and develop disadvantaged young adults in this region.  Developing Phoenix Cafe and Bakery has been very difficult.  Phoenix Cafe and Bakery was established in the poorest region of Europe in competition with other cafes and small outlets - not the best business model.  However, this time to model is different as The Masters Larder is being created to meet demands.  Not only that, I am being told, that there are no other operations preparing or producing our products anywhere in Bulgaria.  Some forty years ago I worked as a Garde Manger at the Lygon Arms Hotel and The Garden House Hotel in England.  This new social enterprise is taking me back to my roots and into my comfort zone.

All the money raised since our project was approved by GlobalGiving has been used to support Phoenix Cafe and Bakery and its personnel.  I have looked at potential venues for The Masters Larder, all of them requiring repair or improvements to ensure that it is suitable to be licensed as a charcuterie.  I have no other option but to apply for a bank loan.  I am very confident that The Masters Larder will succeed, grow and expand.  In doing I am sure that it will enable me to employ a larger number of people.

I know that some of you have continued to support my work here in Vidin by regular donations.  This has been a tremendous help.  I hope that this news and the creation of this new social enterprise inspires you to continue to help me in the future.  To all our supporters and donors I ask you to consider donating funds to help me reduce the amount that I have to borrow.

I hope and trust that the contents within this project update raises your spirits for Christmas and the New Year.

From all of us here in Vidin, we wish you festive greetings and a prosperous 2017

Best wishes

Mick