Echo is a system that enables people and organisations to exchange their skills, knowledge and resources using time as currency rather than money. In the Echo system, everyone’s time and skills are valued equally: 1 Echo for 1 hour. Echo works by using an interactive website, as well as face to face events, workshops and programmes designed to help people to connect and share.
Echo has been established in Stratford, East London since 2014, and has developed a thriving network, facilitating the exchange of more than 18,000 hours of skills, talent and expertise, and countless more connections and opportunities for people and businesses in East London.
OPDC are working with Echo on a research and development project to explore what an Echo exchange system could look like in Old Oak Common and Park Royal. This project has been funded as part of the Great Place Scheme.
Echo brings together local people and local organisations – including residents, employees and small business owners – to create a community-wide economy of hours where the more you put in, the more you get back. Whether you want to learn something new, start a project, grow a business or give back to your community, Echo can help.
Some of the most commonly traded skills in our East London Echo network include: digital and creative (eg web design, photography, marketing, social media), professional and business support (eg accountancy, business and financial modelling, startup support), event and meeting space. Also catering, languages, admin, nursery hours and DIY. In addition, our upskilling workshops and Echo++ business support programmes form a core part of our delivery in East London and may well be elements we would seek to replicate or adapt in Old Oak and Park Royal.
IF YOU ARE A PARK ROYAL BUSINESS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE ECHO TRIAL AND RESEARCH SCHEME PLEASE CONTACT SARAH HENDERSON on sarah@economyofhours.com
