Tool Library Cumbernauld
Tool Library Cumbernauld works to reduce tool waste going to landfill by lending tools and equipment for activities such as DIY, gardening, cooking and camping. Teri Smith, founder of Tool Library Cumbernauld, offers subscriptions, sells low waste products, and runs sustainability workshops. I wanted to do something that would benefit my local community, and be […]
Tool Library Cumbernauld works to reduce tool waste going to landfill by lending tools and equipment for activities such as DIY, gardening, cooking and camping. Teri Smith, founder of Tool Library Cumbernauld, offers subscriptions, sells low waste products, and runs sustainability workshops.
I wanted to do something that would benefit my local community, and be good for the environment. For years I have thought what a waste it is that we all buy tools for doing one job and the tools are then left in a cupboard for years. Other people could be using them. I have been in the situation where I wanted to start gardening and grow my own veg, but had no money to buy the tools I needed. If the Tool Library had been available then, I definitely would have used it!
Teri Smith – Tool Library Cumbernauld
Do you have any top tips for someone thinking of starting a social enterprise?
Keep at it – don’t give up! Learn as much as you can about what you are trying to do, and ask lots of questions from people who are doing something similar. I learned a lot by volunteering at the tool library run by Transition Stirling, before I set this one up. Go to the Firstport’s workshops, they are very helpful, not just for the content, but for networking, and encouragement. If you can get market research that will help as well. I had a Masters Student who did her consultancy project (dissertation) on setting up this tool library – this was really useful for funding applications and understanding our market
Teri Smith – Tool Library Cumbernauld
What have you found challenging when setting up?
Finding premises has been the most difficult thing I think. Juggling a lot of things has been a challenge, and being patient, because some things take a lot longer than you think!
Teri Smith – Tool Library Cumbernauld
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to make a success of the Tool Library, selling Zero waste products and running workshops. We are opening on Friday! I hope the next few months prove this social enterprise can work, and it benefits the community in Cumbernauld
Teri Smith – Tool Library Cumbernauld