InTouch Issue 27

inAUTUMN 2009 issue 27

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cover story

SEEE Conference and AGM

New Member Profile;Abbeycroft Leisure

Social Networking - the Top 4

• 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

Social Entrepreneurship,What Does It Take?

Compete for the Olympics 2012

inAUTUMN 2009 issue 27inside

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.

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.

David JordanEditor

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1 Michele Rigby CEO SEEEWhat We Have Been Thinking • inSPIRATION

Cover Story Twitter.com

SEEE Conference and AGMDo Intentions Matter in Social Business?

• inFORMATION

Social Networking - The Top 4

Ask Dr S. Enterprise, He’s Here to HelpPlay Your Cards Right

Social Entrepreneurship, What Does It Take?How Enterprising Is Your Organisation?

• inTHE NEWS

The Recession is Full of OpportunitiesCompete for the Olympics 2012

My Best ... and Worst Decision

Book ReviewNew Member Profile

What I Wanted To Be When I Grew UpContact Details

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Make a profit to make a difference – join SEEEWe asked SEEE members to say what social enterprise means to them. They told us …

• Working together to achieve more for less. • Enjoying business• An enterprise focused on increasing the value of its community • Making social use of money• Building bridges between what exists and what should exist • Business to benefit society• Doing honest business without losing moral integrity

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 [email protected]

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welcome to In Touch...

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 / [email protected]

Joanne (administration) - I am organising trips for Michele to come and see you and your organisation. Fancy a visit? email me; [email protected] - 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 / [email protected]

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 / [email protected]

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 / [email protected]

Jay (information) - SEEE is putting together an Introduction to Social Accounting Guide, which will shortly be available to download from the SEEE website. [email protected] . 01234 834819

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.

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the hottest thing since the invention of the Internet? by David Jordan

cover story

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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@SocialTraders@entrepreneur_me@Dothegreenthing@WaterAid@asset_transfer

To help get you started, here are some interesting Twitter addresses for you to follow:

@sound_marketing@TheWentaGroup@BLinkEast@jamie_oliver

@CabinetOffice@SE_mark@SE_Coalition@foodcoops@VillageSOS

@CommunityInvest@CraigDeardenphillips@GRANTfinder_uk@socialentnews

@UnLtdWorld@community_media@ThirdSector@DowningStreet

SEEE are now using TwitterCommunications 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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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?”

do intentions matter

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

SEEE conference & AGM

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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?

in social business?

If you missed this year’s conference why not come along next year?

The date for the next AGM is the 15th September 2010 at Newmarket Race Course.

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 RidesSaundra Glenn Sachdev SeyanKate BelinisCynthia ShearsTrevor Lockwood

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

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.

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Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or call 08457 17 16 15 for answers to your online networking and general business questions.

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 the UK use social networking sites (Mintel 2009). Social networking has been deemed as one of the UK’s favourite online addictions and leading the pack today is Facebook.

Social network sites are online communities where people can interact with each other, enabling them to share opinions, thoughts and experiences on almost any subject matter. With social networking use on the increase, businesses are increasingly using some of the most popular sites as a communication channel through which to tell consumers about their products and services.

One recent example is Cadbury’s ‘bring back Wispa’ campaign, where they used Facebook as a virtual word of mouth tool to create a Wispa buzz with consumers who were lamenting the loss of one of their favourite chocolate bars. Websites, blogs and chat rooms across the globe were dominated with talk of a Wispa ‘comeback’ and over 90 ‘bring back Wispa' groups were created by consumers on Facebook, totaling almost 14,000 members.

So we know that social networking sites are continuing to grow, but which are the most networked sites? Here’s a top four rundown:

social networking,the top 4

This site is really all about getting in touch with others. It enables users to add friends and send them messages, as well as update their personal profile so that friends know what they are doing at any given moment. It is primarily a forum for socialising via the Internet and allows users to share photos, videos and create groups, for example, many businesses have created their own group.

Plainly and simply, youtube.com is a site that enables user to upload and share videos. From commercials to music videos and business ‘how to’ guides, you can find a clip on just about anything. One of the business advantages of youtube.com is the ability to upload a video and link the URL back to your website; essentially providing you with a virtual filing cabinet for your content.

The primary function of this site is business orientated professional networking. Users create a profile, which is essentially an online CV, that can be viewed by those that you connect with via the site. It is a very useful business tool, allowing users to maintain a list of contacts that they know or trust in business. It can be used to find jobs, people and business opportunities via your, and your network’s, list of contacts.

Twitter asks just one question, ‘what are you doing?’ and gives you 140 characters to ‘tweet’ your answer, which can be sent via mobile texting, the web or instant messaging. Followers can view your tweets, so for business it can be used to post your latest news or talk about your products and services.

BOOK NOW!Gala Dinner on the 19th November

SEEE are now taking bookings for the Black and White Gala Dinner on the 19th November. Come and celebrate Social Enterprise Day 2009 in Cambourne,

Cambridgeshire and, find out who has won the photography competition. SEEE members enjoy a 3 course meal for free. Contact Joanne to book.

[email protected] / 01234 834814

by Myles Cooper Business Link

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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 your head in the sand or running away in the other 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 problems today. If they don’t know how to treat the complaint, they’re certain to know someone who can.

ask Dr S. Enterprise he’s here to help ...

Dear Dr S. Enterprise, I constantly feel anxious. All of us in my organisation have limited business skills and this is frequently becoming apparent as we try to keep our head above water. We can turn our hand to anything, but we need training in some important skills and I’m worried we won’t survive. We desperately need to train in sales, health and safety, customer service, IT, financial management and leadership, but if I suggest investing at this difficult time my board will think I’ve gone mad! I feel that I should be trying to improve my staff’s ability to meet the challenge of change, not stifling them with budget cut talks.

Anxious, Cambridge

Dear Dr. S. Enterprise, I live in the country. Yes it’s lovely being in the countryside, to have land and to breath clean air, but I feel alone. I am isolated in this part of the country. I barely see people let alone other social enterprises who understand how I feel. How can I share knowledge and communicate with other like-minded people?

All alone, Norfolk

Dear Dr. S. Enterprise, I’m getting a headache searching through the Internet for possible funding for my organisation. I feel that finding the information I need is a full-time job in itself. I have encountered countless closed-doors-funding pots withdrawn because of the credit-crunch, applications terminated, specific criteria that we will never meet … HELP!

Worried, Suffolk

Dear All alone, Lots of people live far away from the big cities but that shouldn’t hinder your ability to network. We can either chose to live alone, or we can do something about it. Why don’t you socialise within your local area? Attend a farmers’ market or fayre? Or why not attend their Gala Dinner, AGM and workshops? You could even take part in a social enterprise forum – there are lots of treatments available. Contact SEEE, they will also put you in touch with a selection of other social enterprises in your area.

Dear Worried, My, my, my, I can really sympathise with this predicament, however there is a solution. Frequently my patients tell me they feel overwhelmed with what’s out there and don’t know where to look. It’s simple really. Log on to www.seee.co.uk they have a funding search facility. Administered with a cup of tea, and perhaps a slice of cake, you will be able to find out what’s out there and hopefully find one that is just right for you.

Dear Anxious, There is a really simple remedy for this. Invest in training but only pay for half of it. You can apply to a special fund to pay the rest. The selection criteria are fairly simple to pass. You need to be a social enterprise, have no more than 249 staff and agree to a training needs analysis, or training health check, to determine where your organisation needs help. The fund offers training courses NVQ level 3 or above. Thirty organisations in the east of England have already accessed the match funding.

play your cards right by Ian Henderson

Even in the new digital communication world the business card is still your single most important piece of marketing material; 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 and pieces of direct mail you have filed. Most cards are kept in a file and are to hand 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 for you. If done correctly your card will set you apart from your competition, reinforce your brand, build credibility and win you business. Done poorly they can do the exact opposite!

what makes a great card? • Represent your brand identity. • Has a quality look and feel. • It needs to “sell” your wares. • Be legible. • Stands out from the crowd. • Should be printed on both sides.

what to put on the front of your card If you already have a logo and brand identity then this is the place to start. If you don’t have a company logo then you should consider a visit to a branding professional for advice before you go any further - without a brand or logo all your efforts could be wasted.

what to put on the back of your card Many people overlook the back of their business card. This is 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 what you do best. Remember, they could be looking at your card years after receiving it!

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.

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

Characteristics 0 1 2 3 4 5

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

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Half of social enterprises believe the recession has created new business opportunities for them, according to a poll carried out by Business Link.

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

opportunities for them and nearly three-quarters, 72% said they were planning for modest or substantial growth over the next three years.

The poll highlights the growing entrepreneurial spirit among social enterprises.

recession is full of opportunities

say social enterprises

CompeteFor Olympics2 0 1 2 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

[email protected]

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Conference and Meeting RoomsThe Innovation Centre contains a purpose built Conference and Meeting Room facility that firmlyestablishes Thetford as a prime conferencing location.

There are five meeting rooms on the ground floor varying in capacity from 8 to 80 seats allserved by top quality on-site catering.

Set in the heart of East Anglia the Innovation Centre is located just off the A11 and close toThetford Town Centre. The main line railway station is a five minute walk and buses stop closeby. On-site parking is also available with designated spaces for disabled access.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Keystone Innovation Centre, Croxton Road, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1JDTel: 01842 768300 Fax: 01842 768301email: [email protected]

PG 10

The Real Renaissance Café at “The Health Hub”

We have rebranded and are launching our living foods restaurant and buffet service for the superior health conscious.

Raised energy and immune system; lowered stress levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Come taste.

The Health HubThe Place to come to sort out your health on every level

www.the-health-hub.co.uk

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PG 11

•Zip Back PJs •Special CurvedToothbrush

•AbsorbentNeckerchief

•Wipe-CleanWaterproof Duvets

Are you a carer or professional workingwith children and young people?

Some examples of products we supply:

Fledglings’ approach is to focus on finding solutions todifficulties which arise as a consequence of the disability,

rather then on the disability itself.

Wendon Court, Station Approach, Wendons Ambo,Saffron Walden, CB11 4LB

t: 0845 458 1124 / www.fledglings.org.ukRegistered Charity No: 1112618

Company Registered in England and Wales No: 4592971

Fledglings are a national charity which helps parents and carers of disabled children and young adults by sourcing and supplying

practical, affordable products to address every day issues.

I think my worst decision was to work from home when we started running Fledglings 11 years ago. It’s very tempting for a fledgling organisation, if you’ll pardon the pun, to use your home as an office; after all you only need a phone and maybe a computer to get going, but there are a lot of other things to consider.

When Fledglings started I was the only worker, I had little money and an empty house during the day, but with time and growth things changed. We began to employ staff, my son left for university and after my husband retired, although he was very supportive, it became more difficult as staff and products occupied more and more space and I was always ‘at work’ at home. But the most significant thing was that having a ‘free’ office didn’t prepare me for the realities of paying commercial rent.

So I would say the best decision I made was to take the plunge and move into a proper office. We’ve been here in Wenden Court, near Audley End railway station, for three years and despite the extra cost it’s made a big difference to Fledglings and I think made us a more effective unit. Apart from having much more space so that we could take on more staff and volunteers, we feel a part of the local business community and our neighbours have been very supportive and helpful. It is also a better environment for our staff and volunteers to work in and the proximity to the Cambridge-London Liverpool Street railway line is an added bonus.

Best of all, my husband, who is now retired, can enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast if he wants to, without having to contend with us working in the home.

my best ... and worst decisionRuth Lingard MBE, CEO Fledglings Family Services

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Suffolk-based Abbeycroft Leisure, which operates fitness and leisure centres in Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds, has become one of SEEE’s latest members.

The company was established in 2005 as a Charitable Leisure Trust and operates the two centres on behalf of St Edmundsbury Borough Council. The centres offer a wide range of activities including swimming, which is currently free for under 16’s and the over 60’s.

The centres are fully equipped with all the latest exercise equipment with expert fitness instructors on hand to offer advice or even prepare tailor-made fitness programmes for customers.

Abbeycroft’s aim is to engage with all sections of the community from children and families, to teenagers, pensioners, people with disabilities, people recovering from illness, competitive sportsmen and women, clubs and societies, and other social groups.

Customers have the option of simply paying as they go to use the centres’ services or opting for the ‘Lifestyle’ membership package which gives unlimited access to the centres‘ facilities. There are also special discounted packages for students, senior citizens and other concessionary groups.

As well as the activities at Bury and Haverhill, Abbeycroft has an extensive outreach programme to bring fitness training to people in outlying villages who may not be able to visit the centres.

Alison Bowyer, Abbeycroft’s Development Manager said, “The scope of our work is always expanding and we’d love to hear from anyone who may want to become a business partner or sponsor - or maybe someone needing help to get their own fitness event off the ground. Being a member of SEEE will give us lots of opportunities to meet new people from other social enterprises and expand our network of associates.”

Abbeycroft Leisure is a Charitable Leisure Trust, operating leisure services since 2005.

We have specific objectives to provide quality leisure 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.

Based in Haverhill, West Suffolk our contact details are:

Haverhill Leisure Centre, Ehringshausen Way, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 0ER

01440 702548 / www.acleisure.com

Abbeycroft LeisureWhen I was first asked to review this publication my first thought was, “is this going to be the definitive answer to all questions, or at least put itself forward to be?” My scepticism was soon answered with a firm NO. What this book sets out to do is what it says on the cover; provide prospective social enterprises with a guide.

So how good is it? I should start by saying that it is much better having it there than not, and my view is that it should provide organisations with a very useful tool - provided they take the right sort of advice alongside it.

I am refreshed to see the emphasis on enterprise and entrepreneurship which are essential if you are to succeed.

While I might have some questions over the order followed I very much like the idea that it is built in sections and is easy to dip in and out of when the need arises.

There is good and important emphasis on many areas that are often taken for granted or ignored. For example, an understanding of the cost base, and full cost recovery versus marginal costing, the need for a strong team, the need for board support and the highlighting of challenges for the organisation.

While I wasn’t sure that the shades of grey made reading easy I liked the inclusion of numerous Case Studies which help make the points seem more real.

I did find the marketing section a bit of a turn off but that was quickly made up for by the areas on income and pricing, followed by some good suggestions on risk and the need for a proper legal structure. In the final section there were a number of useful links.

Overall I would say a volume worth having on your shelf if trading is an area your organisation wants to get into.

Reviewed by Bob Westrip

NCVO GoodGuide To Trading

PG 12

by Atul Patel & Rosalind Oakley

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next WINTER 2009 ISSUE 28

Issue 27 Autumn 2009. In Touch is published by SEEE. SEEE is funded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

To communicate with SEEE contact: a: SEEE, Bedford i Lab, Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZe: [email protected] t: 0845 6066296

Editorial staff: Editor: David Jordan Assistant Editor: Steve JordanGraphic design: Berri Art & Design Advertising sales: SEEE office 01234 834549

Please send PR and other information to: David Jordan e: [email protected] t: 01908 695500

PG 13

I didn’t know what I wanted to do until my last few days at school. My maths teacher had introduced me to photography earlier that year and I’d managed to persuade Allison Franklin, one of the girls in my class, to pose for me in her bikini. As a 16 year-old hormonal youth this was to say the least a ‘result’ and I thought, right - it’s a photographer’s life for me.

My school in Hemel Hempstead had prepared me for life in a factory. The careers master, God bless him, suggested that as I was keen on photography, I might like to work on the shop floor at Kodak, but I had bigger ideas and landed a job with the Daily Mirror in London. This was around the time The Sun was launched featuring its famous page three pin-up, and the Mirror was losing circulation as a result. I suggested to my boss that it could be because The Sun’s pin-up was topless and the Mirror’s wasn’t, and to cut a long story short I was given the assignment of taking the very first topless pin-up for the Mirror.

After about four years working as a Fleet Street photographer I decided to go travelling around Europe and parts of Africa sending pictures to agencies back home to make a living. It was great – travel really does broaden the mind.

When I got back to England I worked as a freelancer specialising in wildlife and landscape pictures - living near Ashridge forest I had no shortage of material.

Then some mates of mine decided to start a rock-band, Late Road Lunatics, and although I knew nothing about the music business, I offered to be their manager. The band was successful and we toured all over the UK and Europe doing gigs, which was cool and groovy.

In 1996 we created our own recording studio which was great, but it was costing us a lot of cash and we couldn’t use it all the time. Someone suggested we used it for training and that’s how we started Sound Base Studios, a charity teaching music and art to young people who have learning difficulties, been excluded from school or have behavioural problems.

We started 4 am for Arts and Music eighteen months ago as a CIC along similar lines to SBS. But because we’re not a charity and don’t have trustees to consult we have more flexibility so it’s easier to adapt the way we do things to match what the kids need.

By the time they get to us all the kids have been branded failures and without our help that’s almost certainly what they’ll be. I know that by treating them in the right way, giving them encouragement and showing them they do have something to offer, many of them can become valuable members of society. I’ve seen a lot of so called no-hopers develop into talented musicians, artists and poets. It’s fun and I love it.

Trevor DilksDirector & Coordinator 4 am for Arts and Music

what I wanted to be when I grew up

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InTouch Issue 27

Documents

Transcript of InTouch Issue 27