Social Enterprise Development and Support Project

Community Enterprise... Be Your Own Solution!

Finding Community Solutions through Community Enterprises

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Social Businesses are those that benefit the local community or have a Social Aim.

• What is a Social Enterprise
• Role of a Social Enterprise
• Creating Your Idea
• Examples of Social Enterprises
• Our Social Enterprise Project
• Contact Details

What is a Social Enterprise

Social Enterprise is about providing enterprising solutions to Social, Economic and Community challenges, and creating new ways of doing business for more than purely financial gain.

The Department of Trade Industry define Social Enterprise as "a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally re-invested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners"

DTI - Social Enterprise: a strategy for success July 2002

Here are some of the characteristics central to Social Enterprise:-

• It aims to benefit the community or a specific section of the community.
• Becoming self-sustainable enterprising organisations, by engaging in trading activity to generate income, and achieve their social purpose
• Not distributing profits to individuals or external shareholders
• Holding resources and income, in trust, for community benefit
• Involving its members and stakeholders in the democratic management of the organisation.
• Being an independent organisation accountable to a defined area and to the wider community

The 3 common characteristics of a Social Enterprise are:

• Enterprise Oriented
• Social Aims
• Social Ownership

Role of a Social Enterprise

Social Enterprises have a key role in regeneration and in the promotion of social inclusion. They provide jobs and services sometimes where the private sector has not entered or has withdrawn, sometimes on behalf of the public sector and sometimes through a joint venture.

Social Enterprises deliver the 'triple bottom line' in that they aim to have an economic, social and environmental impact on their area of benefit. They create and retain wealth, reinvesting surpluses in the communities they seek to serve; they create jobs, provide training and increase levels of self-esteem and confidence; they address environmental issues and provide sustainable development solutions.

Social enterprises can provide solutions:

• for people and businesses who are unable to access finance from mainstream sources;
• for people looking to save and/or create jobs/services in their area;
• for people interested in taking over a community asset and running it for themselves;
• for public authorities and communities interested in developing "people focussed" responsive services (social care, childcare, leisure);
• for people with a special need (i.e. people with a disability);
• for business owners in crisis or wishing to retire;
• for businesses wishing to exert more influence in the marketplace or wishing to achieve economies of scale (buying/selling);
• for developing and strengthening the social and economic fabric of an area, social cohesion.

Creating Your Idea

Most Social Enterprises start off as a good idea by someone in response to a particular issue in the community. Someone sees a need or finds out that something they want is not available, or discovers that there are resources which are available that could be used by the community.

Consult: check out the idea with: friends and relations; people in the community, anyone who might be affected by a venture arising from the idea;
Ask them: whether there is really a need; whether the idea will work; whether there is a better way of filling the need, and how to get started; and
Listen to: and take into account, differing and opposing views.

If you decide to go ahead with the idea, decide on the size of the group, and bring together people who:

• think the idea is a good one and are prepared to make a commitment by putting in time and energy.
• know something about getting the proposed venture underway and could contribute in a useful way.
• might be affected in some way by the venture; and are willing to be part of a planning group.

The next thing to do is write your ideas down on paper. This includes the purpose of the organisation, the objectives and the activities or services that the organisation will offer.

Examples of Social Enterprises

Tiddlers

This is an unincorporated, not for profit mums and tots group in Denton set up in September 1999. The original idea came from the Church's desire to be part of the community. Tiddlers provide a safe and happy environment where children can enjoy a variety of play equipment and activities, whilst learning to mix with others and make friends. They now run 3 sessions at St Georges Centre in Dane Bank, Denton and at Christ Church, Denton; employ 2 part time staff and have a strong volunteer base.

Point 2 Point

This is a non-profit making organisation whose aim is to provide safe, accessible transport solutions. It was formed by a management committee after doing a survey on transport in Hattersley, where it was found that transport links were not present to other parts in Tameside. Funding was secured to start operating in October 2004 and the organisation now employs 5 staff. They are a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Charity that demonstrates governance and public accountability.

Wooden Canel Boat Society

The Wooden Canal Boat Society is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee that exists to promote the restoration and conservation of wooden canal boats for the benefit and education of the general public. Their other activities include a re-cycling project and a charity shop. They also aim to convert one of the boats into a holiday cruiser providing short breaks for people with stress related illness. All activities within this organisation are carried out by a strong group of committed volunteers.

Fairway Co-operating Projects Ltd

In September 1995, a group of parents and carers met with the Learning Disability Service to explore new ways of providing training and work experience for people with learning disabilities. They provide work experience for approx 21 trainees per day in areas of art and craft, use of computers, gardening and assembly work (e.g. MFI). More recently they have started to provide training in life skills such as personal hygiene, make up, cookery and money handling. They are a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable status.

Our Social Enterprise Project

Our Social Enterprise advice team will help you:

• Develop your idea
• Write a business plan
• Become a sustainable enterprise

Are you looking for...

• Start Up Advice
• Funding Advice
• Ongoing Support

For groups and organisations based in Tameside; support, advice and guidance can be obtained via the Economic Development Unit at Tameside Council.

Contact Details

If you would like to talk to someone about starting your own social enterprise, please contact the Tameside Business Family  on 0161 342 2058.