Community Connector and Cash flows
Deana Bamford
Deana is a qualified chartered accountant and teacher. She previously led the restoration project and community use of a local Grade I listed building and went on to found the TH!NK FC, a social enterprise focused sharing tools and approaches to young people and communities that are normally reserved for business.
She has an energy and passion which seems never ending ,and is committed to community ownership of spaces and places in the Coalville area. She has been known as a walking, talking advert for Coalville. She is also practicing being a new grandma to Marley and occasionally does art!
C.E.O.
Ian Wilson
Ian brings over a decade of experience in community and social enterprise sectors, focusing on strategy, business models, and supporting new ventures.
Ian's expertise includes performance management, analysis, audit and coaching. In the last 12 years Ian has been sharing his experience and insight with many co-operatives and social enterprises as well as for private profit businesses and worked on practical and proportionate tools for planning and projects. Ian’s current work includes working for the University of Leicester Business School on their Growth Accelerator program.
Outside of work Ian enjoys being in nature.
Business Admin & Building Manager
Elli West
Elli is our business manager and co-ordinator. This key role supports everyone in doing their jobs and keeps the team connected! As well as keeping track of our finances, Elli manages CAN HQ, including organising room bookings and other key operations.
She is a successful published author with a passion for organisation and to-do lists — look out for some of her books available in our MAKERS shop!
Creative and Wellbeing Lead
Helen Bazen
Helen manages Coalville CAN’s ground floor creative community — a welcoming space for creative exchange across the Gallery, Workshop and MAKERS gift shop.
With a background in the design and manufacturing industry, Helen brings strong management skills and creates opportunities to get involved through exhibitions, workshops and events, encouraging everyone to explore their own creativity and wellbeing. Guided by a passion for social change and a belief in the power of community, she brings people together to grow a connected and inclusive creative community. Outside of CAN, Helen loves walking and spending time in nature, which continues to inspire her approach to creativity and wellbeing.
Company Secretary
Harry Jerome
Harry has been working with Coalville CAN since early 2021, where he got involved through the Kickstart Scheme. He quickly found himself interested in the power of community organisations and co-ops like this one!
Since then, he has become the Secretary of CAN, alongside his other roles, including managing our website and promotion.
Youth Lead