Feature Cover ➜
Key stakeholders and partnership working to embed entrepreneurship Steve emphasised the need for partnership working and relationships with key stakeholders such as EEDA and SEEE to drive up the business performance of the East of England to be very best. Steve pointed out that the East of England currently lags behind much of the rest of the country in new business start-ups, so there will be a focus on helping more would-be entrepreneurs into self-employment. “Embedding entrepreneurship in the region is the most important thing we can do”, he commented.
Concerns discussed in Q&A
During the Q&A, Don Tricker of Social Enterprise Network Suffolk observed that in the past there had tended to be too much focus on inputs and outputs and not enough on real outcomes: this meant that once an organisation had been “boxticked”, Business Link’s interest sharply diminished. He asked how the new Business Link East would monitor outcomes, and help enterprises develop over the longer term. Steve replied that while there are still the inevitable boxes to be ticked, that is a back-office job, leaving client-facing colleagues to provide service and follow-up, re-contacting clients at various stages where necessary. He reassured delegates that there would be follow-through and concern in helping organisations with ongoing support. Nicky Stevenson of The Guild commented that social enterprises need a lot of ongoing support because they are trying to do complex things and the IDB model doesn’t provide that level of support. What is going to provide consistent, long-term support to social enterprises? Steve responded that the IDB is a core service that must work with other specialist organisations
such as The Guild in ensuring a joined up service to the sector. P a u l H e n r y, Business Link East’s Sector Manager for the Third Sector, agreed with Nicky’s analysis, which Chair Ben Higham and CEO Michele Rigby reflect on a successful day applies to other sectors too. Paul also mentioned extra funding under discussion from The Office of the Third Sector to provide additional support for social enterprises, commencing at around £50,000 this year with more to follow in subsequent years.
Film case studies
During the course of the day, delegates were treated to four case-study films produced by SEEE about exemplar regional social enterprises. In particular, “Apsley Paper Trail” was named the most enterprising place in the East of England in May, becoming the regional winner of the DTI’s ‘Enterprising Britain 2007’ competition. The workshop sessions added to a very full day of activities, with a choice of themes on subjects of particular interest to social enterprises. CEO Michele Rigby addressed the group on her experiences and observations over the previous 12 months – see “From the CEO” on page 5 of this issue.
The AGM and new SEEE directors
The AGM followed, with the acceptance of the draft report and accounts for the financial year to March 31st, 2007. ➜ page 3
Contracting with Public Agencies: Free training in tendering, marketing and business skills for social enterprises in Cambs The Commissioning Access Programme aims to help social enterprises win contracts to supply products or services to statutory agencies such as local councils or health authorities. The free training courses below are open to staff from social enterprises in the Greater Cambridge Partnership area.
Tuesday 25th September 2007
Negotiation Skills
This all-day session will explain the role of negotiation within the tendering process, offer tips and techniques, and discuss which contract clauses are usually up for negotiation.
The Meadows Centre, Cambridge
Thursday 8th November 2007
Introduction to PQASSO
An introduction to the basics of implementing PQASSO, the quality assurance system for the third sector (all-day).
Cambridge Professional Development Centre, Trumpington
Wednesday 9th Risk January 2008 Management
A look at the best ways of managing the risks involved in delivering contracts for the public sector. This all-day workshop will cover risk evaluation, contract law, clawback, and what to expect if things go wrong.
South Fens Business Centre, Chatteris
Wednesday 23rd January 2008
A half-day introduction to the basics of operating full cost recovery.
The Maple Centre, Huntingdon
Introduction to Full Cost Recovery
For further information or to book a place on a course, please contact Tom on 01223 360977 or email tom@thesocialenterprisepeople.co.uk The Social Enterprise People is supported by:
2 InTouch
No 19 Summer 2007
The Commissioning Access Programme is funded by: