A social enterprise is a business that trades like other business but uses any profits they make to re-invest in charitable type activities.
Profits could be used: to provide or subsidise services which might otherwise not exist; train or employ people who might otherwise be left out; invest in community or environmental projects in the UK or abroad or tackle social problems.
Well known examples of social enterprises include the Big Issue; the Co-op; or Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain Fifteen (which trains long term unemployed young people and gives them a year's work experience in catering).
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High Peak Community & Voluntary Support (CVS) (external website**) aims to promote community and voluntary sustainability in the High Peak by providing advice, practical services, information, training, facilities and help with sourcing funding for voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups. It is supported by the Council who recognise the value of their services and the potential for local residents to benefit. Website details current activities of the High Peak CVS, as well as the Directory of Voluntary Groups working within the High Peak Community, and a funds finder. They also produce a monthly e-bulletin of news, funds and events of interest to social enterprises, community groups and the wider voluntary sector. Tel: 01663 735350.
Derbyshire County Council (external website**) is currently helping to support the development of social enterprises across the county and how individuals can set one up or become one. There are also useful web-based materials includes guides to structures, jargon buster and model constitutions. Tel: Call Derbyshire: 0845 605 8058 or 01629 533190 or email diana.higton@derbyshire.gov.uk
UnLtd (external website**) is a charity which supports social entrepreneurs by providing a complete package of funding and support to help individuals make their ideas a reality. The Charity was awarded significant funding from the Millennium Commission when they closed and this funding is invested to create long term funding for both start up and growth of social enterprises across the UK. Tel: 0207 566 1100.
Social Enterprise East Midlands (SEEM) (external website**) is a business development organisation offering training, support and development services to the Third Sector. They guide and advise socially minded businesses and individuals through facilitating networking opportunities, exchanging knowledge and working collaboratively with businesses that are trading to make a difference to people and the planet. SEEM offers a variety of different programmes to suit Third Sector organisations including start up & feasibility support, investment brokerage and strategy development. For more information on SEEM business development programmes, contact David Kelly on 0115 871 4760.
Social Enterprise UK (external website**) are the national body for social enterprise. They undertake research, provide information and tools, share knowledge, build networks, raise awareness and campaign to create a business environment where social enterprises can thrive. Social Enterprise UK sits on a number of influential national taskforces and steering groups, and is a member of the Social Enterprise World Forum. Tel: 0207 407 9225.
Big Society Awards (external website**) were launched in November 2010 to recognise and celebrate individuals, businesses, local authorities, charities, community groups and other organisations who illustrate the Big Society in action by giving their time and money to help others; bringing their community together and helping to give people more power to take decisions; or are transforming services in their area. Website contains information on how to nominate an individual or organisation and profiles of previous winners. Tel: 020 7276 6072.
The Social Enterprise Mark is the only certification authority for social enterprises - Social enterprises have to prove they are genuine against a set of qualification criteria, which is overseen by an independent Certification Panel to ensure fairness and consistency.
Through an instantly recognisable logo, the Mark shows your customers that you are an enterprise working for social and environmental aims, trading to benefit people and the planet.
Apply for the Social Enterprise Mark (external website**) or telephone 0845 504 6536. Email apply@socialenterprisemark.org.uk
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.