in AUTUMN 2009 issue 27
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cover story
SEEE Conference and AGM
Social Networking - the Top 4 Social Entrepreneurship, What Does It Take? Compete for the Olympics 2012 • A membership & networking organisation for social enterprises and others. • A strategic influence on national, regional and local policy relating to social enterprise. • We aim to support and promote the social enterprise sector in the East of England
New Member Profile; Abbeycroft Leisure
in inside traditional networking is still in fashion We’ve devoted quite a bit of this edition of In Touch to social media with particular focus on the site everyone seems to be talking about, Twitter. If you’re not Tweeting already, or using some of the other social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace or Linkedin, it really is worth taking a look and setting aside a little time to get to grips with them. There’s no doubt that social networking sites are very much a part of modern business life, but I think it’s important to remember that they are just that, a part of what we need to do to build our business network - human contact is still as important as ever. However many gadgets we have for communicating with one another there is still no substitute for face-to-face meetings, pressing the flesh and good conversation - it’s what makes us all tick.
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AUTUMN 2009 issue 27
Michele Rigby CEO SEEE What We Have Been Thinking • inSPIRATION
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Cover Story Twitter.com SEEE Conference and AGM Do Intentions Matter in Social Business? • inFORMATION
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pg So, start rattling those keys, get logged onto Twitter, or one of the other sites and see how many people you can meet, but remember, social enterprise is all about people and traditional networking hasn’t suddenly gone out of fashion.
Social Networking - The Top 4 Ask Dr S. Enterprise, He’s Here to Help Play Your Cards Right Social Entrepreneurship, What Does It Take? How Enterprising Is Your Organisation? • inTHE NEWS
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The Recession is Full of Opportunities Compete for the Olympics 2012
11 My Best ... and Worst Decision Book Review pg12 New Member Profile pg
David Jordan Editor
I Wanted To Be When I Grew Up 13 What Contact Details
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Make a profit to make a difference – join SEEE We asked SEEE members to say what social enterprise means to them. They told us … • Working together to achieve more for less. • An enterprise focused on increasing the value of its community • Building bridges between what exists and what should exist • Doing honest business without losing moral integrity
• Enjoying business • Making social use of money • Business to benefit society
If this makes good business sense to you, so could joining SEEE. Membership of Social Enterprise East of England starts at £25.
New - now you can affiliate! We are keen to support social enterprise development at the pre-start up stage. If you are a social entrepreneur with a business idea, or an unincorporated organisation not yet trading, you can now join SEEE for 12 months as an affiliate. For further information about membership or the new affiliate status, call Chris Lee on 01234 834710 or e-mail chris.lee@seee.co.uk
welcome to In Touch... training The Institute of Directors declares that skill deficiencies increase operating costs, put a brake on growth and stymie innovation. Investing in training brings increased workforce loyalty and develops skills to help your business thrive. If I were to offer you £120,000 would you bite my hand off? £120,000 is the amount of money that we have had available for training in social enterprises, and it is running out fast – March 2010. The funding comes from the Beyond 2010 scheme, and provides at least 50% match funding for training in your social enterprise. Each organisation can apply for any amount up to £5,000. There are some restrictions of course, but we have found most short courses at NVQ Level 3 and above are eligible for the grant. A number of social enterprises have benefited from the scheme already, with staff completing courses to improve leadership and management, gaining qualifications in marketing and fundraising, and increasing expertise in the use of specialised software. Other organisations have worked with trainers to deliver bespoke in-house training tailored exactly for their organisation I think that’s a great idea. If you have a system that you want to introduce or want to ensure that everyone in your organisation
understands their part – it’s very possible that we can help you with funding that too. If you are not entirely sure what kind of training your organisation will benefit from – that isn’t a problem. We can arrange a Training Needs Analysis. Together we draw up a training plan, and we can fast-track where you need to move quickly. Here in the East of England, we have great companies and Universities with years of expertise in providing the right training for social enterprises, as well as a huge range of mainstream courses that will also have relevance for your organisation. It’s time to take advantage of this fantastic scheme. Start the ball rolling by giving Ilse a call at SEEE. Be quick - once the money is gone, it is gone!
P.S What are your plans for Social Enterprise Day on 19th November? Visit www.seee.co.uk/celebrate to post your celebrations.
SEEE what we’ve been thinking, doing & feeling ...
Ilse (operations) - The Beyond 2010 fund has approved over £40,000 worth of funding for courses, benefiting 15 organisations. I guarantee it isn’t nearly as hard as you might have thought to qualify. Ring me for a chat; 01234 834711 / ilse.leenders@seee.co.uk Chris (membership) - It’s suggested that 80% of the skills needed to run a social enterprise are the same as those for running a small private business. To find out which skills (for surviving the recession) make up the other 20%, come along to our training workshops. Ask me for details; 01234 834710 / chris.lee@seee.co.uk Jay (information) - SEEE is putting together an Introduction to Social Accounting Guide, which will shortly be available to download from the SEEE website. Jay.pannu@seee.co.uk . 01234 834819
Laurie (communication) - The SEEE diary room DVD is now available. Do you want to know if social enterprises are sustainable? Are they good at promoting themselves? Contact me for a free copy, it’s really interesting; 01234 834549 / laurie.nichol@seee.co.uk Joanne (administration) - I am organising trips for Michele to come and see you and your organisation. Fancy a visit? email me; joanne.taylor@seee.co.uk - or ring 01234 834814. Linda (finance) - It is nice to see so many members renewing their membership so promptly; it makes my life so much easier – thank you! 01234 834814 / linda.payne@seee.co.uk
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cover story
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the hottest thing since the invention of the Internet?
by David Jordan
If you had stopped people in the street a year or so ago and asked them what ‘Twitter’ was, most people would have said it was a noise that birds made, and probably have thought you were a bit of a ‘Twit’ yourself for asking. Fast forward to 2009 and Twitter, the social networking site, has become a worldwide phenomenon that none of us in business can afford to ignore. Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging Internet site that enables you to send and receive short messages known as Tweets. A Tweet can be no more than 140 characters long, so the author’s thoughts need to be very focused. Although that will be a challenge for many, it’s undoubtedly one of the reasons for Twitter’s success. When you open your Twitter account you are invited to post a brief description of yourself for your profile page together with a flattering picture. The whole point is to get close-up and personal so that the people reading your Tweets get to know you and care about what you’re saying. If you convince people reading your messages that your stuff is worth reading they may start to follow you. Building up a large number of followers is the key to being a Twitter star. You, in turn will want to follow others and so your network of friends grows and grows. To build your network of followers more quickly you can use a shortcut to find groups you’re interested in; it’s called Twellow. Twellow is like a Yellow Pages for Twitter … hence the name. Go on to Twellow and look up all the people who are in, for example, the IT business … then follow them. Before you know it, they’ll be following you. Great! But how can that help you to market and develop your business? There are lots and lots of ways but here are a couple of ideas for starters. When you sign onto the Twitter site and land on your profile page you will be asked, “What are you doing?” If you’re new to Tweeting you’ll probably think, “Why would anybody care?” But how about trying something like this? If you were a website builder and you Tweeted to your IT Twellow list: “Just designed a website for a charity in Norwich, they’re delighted.” And you also added a link to your website you might just find them clicking through and – hey presto -you’re in business. It’s important to remember that Twitter is a networking site and just as in conventional face-to-face networking, you need to give as well as receive. So, if say you’re in the mobility business and someone Tweets, “Do I need a licence to ride an electric scooter on the road? ” Tweet them the answer, it’ll get you loads of Brownie, or should I say Twitter points, and you might even get a new customer. Of course the whole thing works in reverse as well, so if you need some help try Tweeting - the chances are if your network is big enough someone will be happy to give you a hand. Getting to grips with Twitter, like anything else that’s new, can be a bit frustrating to begin with and it could be worth getting some professional coaching to help you make the most of it. There are lots of people running seminars and workshops and most of them don’t cost the earth to attend. One word of warning; Twitter can become addictive and you can waste a lot of time Tweeting aimlessly if you’re not careful. That’s fine for leisure, but not for business - so don’t get hooked. Used intelligently, Twitter is one of the hottest pieces of marketing technology out there at the moment and it doesn’t cost a penny to use it. So if you haven’t had a Tweet yet or you’ve had a look but didn’t really get it, give it another try – if you don’t you could be missing out on the biggest thing since the invention of the Internet.
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To help get you started, here are some interesting Twitter addresses for you to follow: @CabinetOffice @SE_mark @SE_Coalition @foodcoops @VillageSOS
@SocialTraders @entrepreneur_me @Dothegreenthing @WaterAid @asset_transfer
@sound_marketing @TheWentaGroup @BLinkEast @jamie_oliver
@CommunityInvest @CraigDeardenphillips @GRANTfinder_uk @socialentnews
@UnLtdWorld @community_media @ThirdSector @DowningStreet
SEEE are now using Twitter
Communications Officer Laurie Nichol shares her knowledge and experience of how Twitter can be used as a valuable communication tool. What seemed daunting at first to me, the chief Twitterer in the office, was the fact that Twitter changes minute by minute. It takes an investment in time, thought and planning but arguably it is worth it. I quickly learnt that it would be crazy to try and read everything that happens on Twitter – like David says you need to stay focussed on your objectives. How does SEEE Tweet? Take a look at www.twitter.com/SEeastofengland Your Tweets can be about anything – daunting but true. News, self promotion, pointless babble, conversation, valuable information. Crucially your Tweets turn the question: “What are you doing?” into something that does the following: 1. Creates awareness of your brand. Social Enterprises are unique – you offer a service or product that conventional business has ignored or not identified ... why not shout about it? 2. Product launching/ testing. Twitter can provide you with a tool to seek advice, make announcements, create a buzz. 3. Drive traffic to your website. Show people new information … new products, etc. 4. Announce events and promotions. Get the word out and provide links to more information and prices. 5. Talk to experts in the field. Barack Obama used it during his election campaign. On Twitter everyone is equal – put a question to an MP. Interact with key policy makers, help shape direction. 6. Enhance your customer service to people – Provide helpful Tweets that benefit your customers and they will reward you with loyalty for life! Sounds easy enough, but how have we done this and what can you Tweet about? 1. News – e.g. “Government backed 'Communitybuilders fund' attracts 900 queries ahead of September opening date (link to news story). ” This shows that you are “in the know” and provide helpful Tweets for your followers. 2. Self promotion e.g. “SEEE are really excited about helping deliver £150,000 worth of grants. Get in contact if you want the money! More information here (link to your website).” This kind of Tweet will enhance your brand and make you stand out as a formidable force in your industry sector 3. Pointless babble e.g. “How can it be October already? Soon be Christmas.” This type of Tweet should be limited because not everyone will find it particularly interesting. But, it can be effective for creating a “face” behind your organisation. Think of Innocent smoothies … their tone makes them seem friendly and approachable. 4. Conversational e.g. “Which three things do you use the most? Mobile phones, email, websites, internet, video, SMS, ipod? Ask your office and reply to us.” This Tweet allows you to find out what your market are thinking. Research like this can be time consuming and expensive. Post this Tweet on Twitter and you may instantly get the answer for free! 5. Pass along value e.g. “Looking for free networking opportunities? Come along to free Trade Fair at Ickworth Hall, Bury St Edmunds (link to the flyer). ” A Tweet like this is great for sharing knowledge and experience. It also sparks discussion with people posting other links to you which may be useful. Take a look at TweetDeck; it has revolutionised the Twitter experience. A downloadable free application (www.tweetdeck.com) it has four columns which easily displays what your followers are talking about; who has mentioned you in their Tweets and who has directly private messaged you. I believe it is a must if you are considering adopting this new communication tool. Feel free to give me a ring to talk about this. I am happy to give advice and help set up your profile. Laurie - 01234 834549
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SEEE conference & AGM
The 2009 SEEE conference and AGM held on the 9th July at Newmarket Race course has to have been the best ever! Book signings, interactive voting, a diary room, business advice clinics, SEEE members stand, lots of networking and 8 workshops. One guest remarked, “I wish you had organised a whole weekend like this! I feel guilty having this much fun on a work day!” At the start of the conference delegates quickly became aware that they could expect a day to remember. A video featuring street musicians from around the world performing the old Ben E. King classic Stand by Me, set the mood for the day and reminded us all of the need for cooperation and humanity in all we strive to achieve. Sponsored by Triodos Bank, this year’s conference theme was ‘Meeting the Challenge of Change’ and drew inspiration from Charles Darwin with CEO Michele Rigby sighting his premise that, ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable to change.’ Michele said that although social enterprises were not always strong in the old fashioned monetary sense, they were great at responding to the needs of their customers and that the rapid changes in the economy should be embraced and opportunities taken. During the day delegates had the opportunity to
do intentions matter I was talking to a mate of mine the other week with a commercial background who told me he thought that social enterprise was a ‘slippery concept’. His big point was that the line between social business and pure, for-profit business is actually misleading. He told me about a company he knows that is mad for making money, so mad in fact that they risked a lot of capital, time and energy on sticking mobile phone infrastructure across a load of African countries.
”The company is doing OK and money will be made,” he said, “but the bigger net effect is that lots of African entrepreneurs are now able to develop businesses, build up the economy, etc. and so produce a lot of more ‘social benefit’ than, say, a maize-growing co-op run by a social business. A ‘double-bottom line’ if ever there was one!” ”So”, he asked with a flourish. “Which is the more convincing social business? The one doing more good (whatever the starting intentions) - or the one with all the right intentions and ownership models?”
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motivate • stimulate • encorage g • motivat stimulate • encorage • motivate • stimulat rag g vat lat rag g cor vat ate ge g te ate ge g If you missed this year’s te conference why not come ate along next year? ge g The date for the next AGM is the 15th September 2010 at te Newmarket Race Course. ate ge g motivate stimulate • encorage g • motivate stimulate encorage g • motivate • stimulate in social business? encorage g motivate • stimulate • encorage g motivate stimulate • encorage g • motivate stimulate encorage g • motivate • stimulate encorage g motivate • stimulate • encorage g motivate stimulate • encorage g • motivate stimulate encorage g • motivate • stimulate encorage g motivate • stimulate • encorage g motivate stimulate • encorage g • motivate stimulate encorage g • motivate • stimulate encorage g motivate • stimulate • encorage g motivate stimulate • encorage g • motivate PG 5 stimulate encorage g • motivate • stimulate directly influence the social enterprise strategy for the East of England with a very flash personal handheld voting panel – it looked a bit like an old fashioned mobile. Delegates also had the chance to enter SEEE’s diary room where they were quizzed on important issues for social enterprises. During the AGM SEEE said “good bye” to a number of board members who were thanked personally by Michele Rigby for their work and commitment to the organisation; Norman Rides Saundra Glenn Sachdev Seyan Kate Belinis Cynthia Shears Trevor Lockwood
financial help to survive the recession and meet the challenge of change.
The day ended with the now traditional Catwalk finale where a number of SEEE members gave a one minute elevator pitch about their businesses. The finale was a real spectacle for the viewers with each social enterprise trying to out do each other. Luca Parella from Celtic Harmony caused a stir by starting a bonfire on the floor much to the amusement of the crowd. Not to be outdone Jane Taylor transformed into an auctioneer to sell her specially made Social Enterprise Day Beer to the highest bidder ... and what a way to finish such a great day! Happy and inspired SEEE staff sat down with a cold, locally produced beer and reflected on the fun, learning and networking had by all.
SEEE has now welcomed two new board members, Mark Powell Davies from Colne Housing Society and Paul Robson from Preen CIC who both bring with them extensive knowledge about the social enterprise sector and running a business. The AGM meeting also saw a constitutional amendment that means SEEE is now working with a broader range of informal networks. Keynote speaker Jacky Bennett, CEO of ‘The Paper Trail’ made an impassioned speech about the journey the business has been through during the past few years. It is in desperate need of
I sat and I pondered. On one hand, my friend's view is a rehash of Adam Smith - the idea that selfish intention translates into communal benefits. But on the other, he raises an interesting question. Might he actually be right – up to a point? That certain ordinary companies’ outputs - like the mobile phone one - can also produce quite clear `social benefits' which, if produced by a social-firm, would be celebrated in the end of year social accounts. And, leading from that, could such a firm be rightfully garlanded as a social business? The response to all this from the majority in the social enterprise world would always be that the mobile phone company is not social enterprise. Both the lack of social intent and private ownership would count them out, regardless, it seems of how much good they do.
Where am I? What it comes down to, I guess, is whether a social business should be defined mainly by the production of socially accountable outcomes (in this case the development benefits produced by mobile phone use in Africa) or whether it always has to be defined in terms of intention, the way it is run, its ownership structure and so on. I personally think that outcomes (what really happens) should have a greater bearing than the way things are put together – though I do also think these things matter too.
Therefore for me, the mobile phone company is a kind of social business. Not quite in the same way as most readers of In Touch – granted – but if their business generates massive social returns, I guess it has to be - doesn’t it?
nformation enlighten explain expose signpost information enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost nformation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information by enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten Myles Cooper explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten Business Link • explain • expos signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost nformation • enlighten • explain expose signpost information Social networking sites have been established in the UK for•more then 8 years,•with the first popular•site being Friends Reunited. Things have rapidly developed since then and it has been reported recently that 50% of Internet users in enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten the UK use social networking sites (Mintel 2009). Social networking has been deemed as one of the UK’s favourite explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos online addictions and •leading the pack today is Facebook. Social network sites are online communities people can interact with each other, • enabling them to share opinions, signpost • information • where enlighten • explain expose • signpost thoughts and experiences on almost any subject matter. 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Websites, blogs and chat rooms•across the globe were dominated with talk of a Wispa ‘comeback’ and over 90 back Wispa' • groups were signpost information • enlighten • explain • ‘bring expose signpost created by consumers on Facebook, totaling almost 14,000 members. nformation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information So we know that social networking sites are continuing to grow, but which are the most networked sites? Here’s a top enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten four rundown: explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost This site is really•allenlighten about getting in touch others. It primary function of this site is business orientated nformation • with explain •Theexpose • signpost • information enables users to add friends and send them messages, as professional networking. Users create a profile, which is enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information enlighten well as update their personal profile so that friends know essentially an online CV, that can be viewed by•those that you what they are doing at any given moment. It is primarily a connect with via the site. It is a very useful business explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain •tool, expos forum for socialising via the Internet and allows users to allowing users to maintain a list of contacts that they know or share photos, and create groups, •forenlighten example, trust in business. It can be used find jobs, people•andsignpost business signpost • videos information • explain • toexpose many businesses have created their own group. opportunities via your, and your network’s, list of contacts. nformation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos Plainly and simply, youtube.com is a site that enables user Twitter asks just one question, ‘what are you doing?’ and gives signpost • share information • enlighten explain • besignpost to upload and videos. From commercials to music you 140•characters to ‘tweet’ • yourexpose answer, which can sent via videos and business ‘how to’ guides, you can find a clip on mobile texting, the web or instant messaging. Followers can nformation • enlighten • explain •viewexpose • signpost • information just about anything. One of the business advantages of your tweets, so for business it can be used to post your enlighten • isexplain • expose • about information • enlighten youtube.com the ability to upload a video and link • thesignpost latest news or talk your products and services. URL back to your website; essentially providing you with explain • expose • your signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos a virtual filing cabinet for content. signpost • information • enlighten explain • and expose • signpost Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or call 08457 17 16 15 for answers to•your online networking general business questions. nformation rmation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • informati information enlighten ghten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten enlight BOOK NOW! explain ain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos exp Gala Dinner on the 19th November signpost gnpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost signpo are now taking bookings for the Black and White • Gala Dinner on the •19th nformation rmation SEEE • November. enlighten • explain • expose signpost informati information Come and celebrate Social Enterprise Day 2009 in Cambourne, enlighten ghten • Cambridgeshire explain • and, expose • has signpost • information • enlighten enlight find out who won the photography competition. SEEE enjoy a 3•course meal for free. Contact Joanne to book. explain ain • expose members • signpost information • enlighten • explain • expos exp joanne.taylor@seee.co.uk / 01234 834814 signpost gnpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost signpo nformation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information PG 6• explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten enlighten explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos
social networking,
the top 4
nformation enlighten explain expose signpost information enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten explain • expose • signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost ask • enlighten • explain • expose he’s here to help ... nformation signpost • information enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten Headaches, exhaustion, and anxiety in business – we have seen it all. Many of you, especially in the current climate, are putting up with these common business ailments in silence.•Why? Treat them today! Burying head in the sand or•running away in the• other explain • expose signpost information • your enlighten explain expos direction may seem like your only option, but believe me, Dr. S Enterprise – it isn’t. The team at SEEE urge you to come forward and address your today. If they don’t know how to treat the complaint, certain to know who can. signpost signpost • problems information • enlighten • they’re explain • someone expose nformation • enlighten • Allexplain • expose • forinformation Dear Dr S. Enterprise, I constantly feel anxious. of us in Dear Anxious, There issignpost a really simple remedy my organisation have limited business skills and this is this. Invest in training but only pay for half of it.• enlighten enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information frequently becoming apparent as we try to keep our You can apply to a special fund to pay the rest. head • above water. We can turn our hand to•anything, The selection are fairly simple• toexplain pass. explain expose signpost information • criteria enlighten • expos but we need training in some important skills and I’m You need to be a social enterprise, have no worried we survive. We desperately need to train more than staff and agree•to aexpose training signpost • won’t information • enlighten • 249 explain signpost in sales, health and safety, customer service, IT, financial needs analysis, or training health check, to nformation • leadership, enlighten explain • expose signpost • information management and but if I suggest•investing at determine where your organisation needs this difficult time my board will think I’ve gone mad! I feel help. The fund offers training courses NVQ enlighten • beexplain • Thirty information that I should trying to improve•myexpose staff’s ability to signpost level 3 or above. organisations in the east • enlighten meet the challenge of change, not stifling them with of England •have already accessed •the match explain • cut expose signpost • information enlighten explain • expos budget talks. funding. Anxious,•Cambridge signpost • information enlighten • explain • expose signpost Dear All alone, Lots of people live far away from the big cities but Dear Dr. S. Enterprise, I live in the country. Yes lovely nformation • enlighten • it’s explain • expose signpost • information that shouldn’t hinder your ability to network. We can either being in the countryside, to have land and to breath chose to live alone, or we can do something about Why don’t enlighten explain • inexpose • information • it.enlighten clean air, but• I feel alone. I am isolated this part of the signpost you socialise within your local area? Attend a farmers’ market or country. I barely see people let alone other social explain • expose signpost • information •notenlighten • explain • expos fayre? Or why attend their Gala Dinner, AGM and workshops? enterprises who understand how I feel. How can I share You could even take part in a social enterprise forum – there are knowledge and communicate with other like-minded signpost • explain • expose signpost lots of treatments available. Contact SEEE, they will also put you people? • information • enlighten in touch with a selection of other social enterprises in your area. All alone, Norfolk nformation • enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information Dear Worried,•My,information my, my, I can really sympathise with this Dear Dr. S. Enterprise, I’m getting a•headache searching signpost enlighten • explain expose • enlighten predicament, however there is a solution. Frequently my through the Internet for possible funding for my patients tell•meenlighten they feel overwhelmed with what’s out • there explain • expose signpost information • explain expos organisation. I feel that finding the information•I need is a and don’t know where to look. It’s simple really. Log on to full-time job in itself. I have encountered countless signpost • information • enlighten • explain www.seee.co.uk they have• a expose funding searchsignpost facility. closed-doors-funding pots withdrawn because of the Administered with a cup of tea, and perhaps a slice of cake, you credit-crunch, applications terminated, specific criteria nformation •meet enlighten • explain will • beexpose • hopefully information able to find outsignpost what’s out there and find one that we will never … HELP! that is just right for you. Worried, Suffolk enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose signpost play your cards right• expose by Ian Henderson nformation • enlighten • explain signpost • information Even in the new digital communication world the business card is still your single most important piece of marketing material; enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten your card may be the only advertising that you are asked for, and it is often kept for years. Compare how many cards you have collected against the number of leaflets, flyers • andinformation pieces of direct mail you have filed. Most cards are kept in a file and are to•hand explain • expose signpost • enlighten • explain expos when needed, however yours may not be the only card from a company in your line of work, so it is crucial that you make it work signpost • explain • expose signpost for you. If • doneinformation correctly your card will set • you enlighten apart from your competition, reinforce your brand, build credibility and win you business. Done poorly they can do the exact opposite! nformation • enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information what makes a great card? •• Represent your brand identity. • Has a quality look and feel. enlighten • explain expose signpost • information • enlighten • It needs to “sell” your wares. • Be legible. • Stands out the crowd. • Should be printed on both sides. explain • expose signpost • from information • enlighten • explain • expos what to•putinformation on the front of your card If you already have a logo brand identity then this is the place tosignpost start. If you signpost • enlighten • and explain • expose don’t have a company logo then you should consider a visit to a branding professional for advice before you go any further nformation enlighten • beexplain • expose signpost • information without a brand • or logo all your efforts could wasted. enlighten • explain • your expose signpost • back information • isenlighten what to put on the back of card Many people overlook the of their business card. This the place to reinforce your company’s sales message and to inform the reader of your USP’s (unique selling points) or just to remind them of explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos what you do best. Remember, they could be looking at your card years after receiving it! signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expose signpost nformation • enlighten • explain • expose • signpost • information pg 7 enlighten • explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten explain • expose signpost • information • enlighten • explain • expos
Dr S. Enterprise
social entrepreneurship what does it take?
“The idea of launching a successful business is at the heart of modern fantasies,” writes philosopher Alain de Botton “There is a certain heroic beauty in the exuberant destruction of both capital and hope entailed in the entrepreneurs’ activities”. If de Botton is half-way right, and statistics about failure rates in small business start-ups may back him up, then how much more likely is it that social enterprises might fail when you consider their built-in competitive disadvantage? Social enterprises provide services for customers other businesses won’t, they employ workers deemed to be ‘unreliable’ by mainstream employers, they provide services in sectors shunned by the private sector, and operate from uneconomic locations – remote rural areas and ageing, but affordable, premises in run-down inner cities. Yet commentators (and not just the passionate advocates) continue to point to the relative success of social enterprise in terms of business survival. Caroline Chipperfield at the University of Plymouth suggests, “Research demonstrates that social enterprises enjoy a good survival rate in recessions. In economically challenging conditions, enterprises set up on social principles weather the financial storm and in many cases grow stronger.” So what is it that drives people (and it is often individuals behind social enterprise start-ups, with men – Tim Smit, Andrew Mawson, Liam Black, Jamie Oliver - seeming to be the most high profile) to think they can make a success of such an apparently flawed business model? Is it blind faith, supreme self-confidence to the point of arrogance, raw passion, or does it show as Alain de Botton believes, “how much we prefer excitement and danger to boredom and safety?”
And, while travelling along this exciting and dangerous highway, what keeps social enterprises in the race, even in recession? The traditional answer is innovation. The story goes that, because our funds are always limited (recession or no recession) we have to come up with new and creative solutions to enduring problems. It’s further argued that this attribute (being creative, not being poor) can give us a competitive edge when tendering to provide public services. If we really can give the purchaser more for their money while not compromising on quality - that much talked about ‘added-value’- we have something in which it’s truly worth investing. So, does your organisation have what it takes to sustain a successful business? Do you claim to be entrepreneurial, innovative, creative (words that are much used, often inter-changeably, but are rarely defined)? If so, where’s your evidence? If you haven’t got it, how can you get it? Is it nature, nurture or something else? If you have the answers to all these questions, maybe you should demonstrate your entrepreneurialism by writing a bestseller and packing your bags for a worldwide lecture tour! For more on entrepreneurship, a glossary of definitions around innovation, invention, creativity and enterprise, and to find out what a range of commentators believe are essential ingredients for success in social entrepreneurship, go to www.seee.co.uk/entrepreneurship
how enterprising is your organisation? 1. Score your organisation for each characteristic of an enterprising organisation (0 = not at all, 5 = very strong). 2. Invite different members of staff and trustees to score your organisation individually. 3. Compare scores – noting where there is agreement and disagreement about strengths and weaknesses. 4. Agree the low scoring areas and identify practical steps to increase those scores.
PG 8
Characteristics Self-awareness - eg about your expertise and skills gaps Environmental awareness – about trends and opportunities affecting your work Passionate but purposeful – you are committed and clear about your cause You plan for change – and then you put your plan into effect! Fearless with figures – you understand cost, price, value and viability You know the market – and compete on quality and customer focus (not price) Delegated decisions – staff are trusted to make decisions You take measured risks – failure is a comma, not a full stop
0 1 2 3 4 5
CompeteFor
Olympics
2012
With the 2012 Olympic Games now less than three years away preparations are well under-way, with suppliers being asked to apply for more than 50,000 contract opportunities via the CompeteFor website. Far from the event being led by huge organisations, over 55% of businesses winning contracts with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) through CompeteFor are small and medium enterprises, with 15% being micro-businesses. One of the objectives of London 2012 is to provide opportunities to local businesses and communities allowing for a wide range of diverse companies to benefit, and there is no reason why social enterprises can not reap the rewards as well. One SEEE member who has already been successful is The Salvation Army which is making Hadleigh Farm in Essex available for Mountain Biking Events.
CompeteFor is a brokerage service, matching the buyers of provisions for London 2012 with potential suppliers. It allows buyers to find qualifying suppliers prior to entering into the standard tendering process, which happens outside CompeteFor. Potential suppliers apply for positions by completing a simple questionnaire. Answers are then scored using a scoring plan defined by the buyer who then carries out a short-listing process using an automatic system. Those short-listed providers will then be invited to tender for the position. To sign up to CompeteFor and find out what opportunities there may be for your social enterprise, visit: www.competefor.com Chris.lee@seee.co.uk
recession is full of
opportunities say
social
enterprises Half
of social enterprises believe the recession has created new business opportunities for them, according to a poll carried out by Business Link.
opportunities for them and nearly three-quarters, 72% said they were planning for modest or substantial growth over the next three years.
The survey asked 130 social enterprises how they had been affected by the recession. Exactly 50% of respondents said the economic downturn had created new
The poll highlights entrepreneurial spirit enterprises.
the growing among social
PG 9
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new members profile • contact details • about me • new members profile • contact details • about me • new member my best ... and profile • contactworst details • about me • new members profile decision ontact details Ruth • about me • new members profile • contac Lingard MBE, CEO Fledglings Family Services details • about me • new members profile • contact details I think my worst decision was to work from home when So I would say the best decision I made was to take the started • running Fledglings 11 years ago. It’s very plunge move into a proper office. We’ve•been here in me boutwe me new members profile • and contact details about tempting for a fledgling organisation, if you’ll pardon the
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Wendon Court, Station Approach, Wendons Ambo, Saffron Walden, CB11 4LB
Registered Charity No: 1112618 Company Registered in England and Wales No: 4592971
new members profile • contact details • about me • new members profile • contact details • about me • new member NCVO Good profile • contactGuide details • about me • new members profile To Trading Abbeycroft Leisure Atul Patel & Rosalind Oakley ontact details • byabout me • new members profile • contac Suffolk-based Abbeycroft Leisure, which operates fitness When I was first asked to review this publication my first details • was, about me • definitive newanswer members profile • contact details and leisure centres in Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds, thought “is this going to be the to has become one of SEEE’s latest members. all questions, or at least put itself forward to be?” My was soon answered with a firm NO. What this boutscepticism me • new members profi e The company was established in 2005 as a Charitable Leisure book sets out to do is what it says on the cover; provide
Trust and•operates the two centres on behalf of St prospective social enterprises with a•guide. new members profile contact details about me • new member Edmundsbury Borough Council. The centres offer a wide of activities including swimming, which is currently So how good is it? I should start by saying that it is much profile • contact details • about me range • new members profile • contac free for under 16’s and the over 60’s. better having it there than not, and my view is that it should provide organisations with a very useful tool - provided details • about me • new membersTheprofile • contact details • abou centres are fully equipped with all the latest exercise they take the right sort of advice alongside it. equipment with expert fitness instructors on hand to offer me • I new members profile • contact details • about me for• new advice or even prepare tailor-made fitness programmes am refreshed to see the emphasis on enterprise and customers. entrepreneurship which are essential if you are to succeed. members profile • contact details • about me • new members profil Abbeycroft’s aim is to engage with all sections of the While I might have some questions over the order followed contact details • about meand • new members profile • contact detail community from children and families, to teenagers, I very much like the idea that it is built in sections is easy pensioners, people with disabilities, people recovering from to dip in and out of when the need arises. competitivedetails sportsmen and women, clubs and • new about me • new members profile •illness, contact • about me societies, and other social groups. There is good and important emphasis on many areas that are often profile taken for granted or ignored. For details example, an • about me • new members profil members • contact Customers have the option of simply paying as they go to use understanding of the cost base, and full cost recovery versus the centres’ services profile or opting for the•‘Lifestyle’ membership marginal costing, the need for a strong team, the need for contact details • about me • new members contact detail package which gives unlimited access to the centres‘ board support and the highlighting of challenges for the There aredetails also special discounted packages organisation. about me • new members profile •facilities. contact • about mefor • new students, senior citizens and other concessionary groups. While I wasn’t sure that the shades of grey made reading members profile • contact details • about me • new members profil As well as the activities at Bury and Haverhill, Abbeycroft has easy I liked the inclusion of numerous Case Studies which an extensive outreach programme to bring fitness training to help make the points seem more real. contact details • about me • new members profile detail people in outlying villages who may • notcontact be able to visit the I did find the marketing section a bit of a turn off but that about memade • new profile •centres. contact details • about me • new was quickly up for bymembers the areas on income and pricing, Alison Bowyer, Abbeycroft’s Development Manager said, “The followed by some good suggestions on risk and the need members profile • Incontact me • new members profil scope of our work is always expanding and we’d love to hear for a proper legal structure. the final sectiondetails there were a • about from anyone who may want to become a business partner or number of useful links. sponsor - or maybe someone needing• help to get their own contact details • about me • new members profile contact detail fitness event off the ground. Being a member of SEEE will give us Overall I would say a lots of•opportunities to meet new people from other social me volume worth about mehaving • new members profile contact details • about enterprises and expand our network of associates.” on your shelf if trading is an area profile • contact details • about me • new member new members your organisation prof wants to get into. by deta Reviewed Bob Westrip me Abbeycroft Leisure is a Charitable Leisure Trust, operating leisure services since 2005. mem We have specific objectives to provide quality leisure con services at affordable prices for the benefit of the community and believe in ‘access for everyone’, endeavouring to make our facilities available to all, wherever possible. abo Based in Haverhill, West Suffolk our contact details are: members pro Haverhill Leisure Centre, Ehringshausen Way, Haverhill, CB9 0ER contact details • about me • new Suffolk, 01440 702548 / www.acleisure.com PG 12 about me • new members profile • contact details • about me • new
ew members profile • contact details • about me • new members profile • contact details • about me • new member rofile • contact details • about me • new members profile what I•wanted to be ontact details about me • new members profile • contac grewmembers up etails • aboutwhen me •Inew profile • contact details Trevor Dilks & Coordinator 4 am for Arts and Music bout me •Director new members profile • contact details • about me
ew members profile • contact details • about me • new member I didn’t know what I wanted to do until my last few days some mates of mine decided toprofile start a rock-band, Late rofile • contact details • about meThen • new members • contac at school. My maths teacher had introduced me to Road Lunatics, and although I knew nothing about the music photography earlier that year and I’d managed to persuade business, I offered to be their manager. The band was etails • about me • new members profile • contact details • abou Allison Franklin, one of the girls in my class, to pose for me successful and we toured all over the UK and Europe doing her bikini. As a 16 year-old hormonal youth this was to gigs, which was cool and groovy. me • insaynew members profile details • about me • new the least a ‘result’ and I thought, right -•it’scontact a photographer’s life for me. 1996 we created our own recording studio which was great, members profile • contact details • Inbut about me • new profil it was costing us a lot of cash andmembers we couldn’t use it all the My school in Hemel Hempstead had prepared me for life in a time. Someone suggested we used it for training and that’s contact details • about • new profile contact detail factory. The careers master, God bless him,me suggested that as I members how we started Sound Base Studios, a•charity teaching music was keen on photography, I might like to work on the shop and art to young people who have learning difficulties, been floorme at Kodak, I had bigger ideas and landed aprofile job with the •excluded about •but new members contact details • about from school or have behavioural problems. me • new Daily Mirror in London. This was around the time The Sun was launched profile featuring its famous page three pin-up, and the • We started 4 am for Arts Music eighteen months ago as a members • contact details about me •and new members profil Mirror was losing circulation as a result. I suggested to my boss CIC along similar lines to SBS. But because we’re not a charity that it could be because The Sun’s pin-up was topless and the members and don’t have trustees to consult we•have more flexibilitydetail so contact details • about me • new profile contact Mirror’s wasn’t, and to cut a long story short I was given the it’s easier to adapt the way we do things to match what the assignment the very first topless pin-upprofile for the Mirror. •kids need. about me of• taking new members contact details • about me • new After about four years working as a Fleet Street photographer I By the time they get to us all the kids have been branded members profile • contact details • about me • new members profil decided to go travelling around Europe and parts of Africa failures and without our help that’s almost certainly what sending pictures to agencies back home to make a living. It they’ll be. I know that by treating them in the right way, giving contact details • about me • new members profile contact detail was great – travel really does broaden the mind. them encouragement and showing• them they do have something to offer, many of them can become valuable about me new members contact me • new When I got•back to England I worked as profile a freelancer •members of society.details I’ve seen a lot•ofabout so called no-hopers specialising in wildlife and landscape pictures - living near develop into talented musicians, artists and poets. It’s fun and members profile • contact me • new members profil Ashridge forest I had no shortage of material. details • Iabout love it. contact details • about me • new members profile • contact detail about me • new members profile •Issue contact details • isabout 27 Autumn 2009. In Touch published by me SEEE. SEEE is funded by the East of England ew members profile • contact details • about Development Agency me (EEDA). • new member To communicate with SEEE contact: ut me • new members • contac a: SEEE, Bedford i Lab, Stannardprofile Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ e: hello@seee.co.uk t: 0845 6066296 mbers profile • contact details • abou Editorial staff: Editor: David Jordan Assistant Editor: Steve Jordan • new • contact details • about me Graphic design: Berri Art & Design Advertising sales: SEEE office 01234 834549 ails • about me • new members profil Please send PR and other information to: David Jordan e: intouch@seee.co.uk t: 01908 695500 new members profile • contact detail ofile • contact detailsWINTER • about me • new 2009 28 ails • about me • newISSUE members profil new members profile • contact detail PGme 13• new about me • new members profile • contact details • about
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