Social Enterprise and Self-Employment
What is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business set up to tackle a social or environmental need rather than to maximize profit for shareholders and owners. Its surpluses are reinvested in the business or in the community to further its social and environmental goals.
There are many different types of social enterprises, including community development trusts, housing associations, worker-owned co-operatives and leisure centres.
Social enterprises may take a number of different business structures - companies limited by guarantee, companies limited by shares and industrial and provident societies are the most common
If you are interested in setting up a social enterprise, the contacts below may be useful. If you would like to consider volunteering or working with a local social enterprise, some of those based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are listed below. Contact them directly for more information.
Benefits of self-employment
There are many benefits of being self-employed. They will vary from person to person. Here are some general incentives for starting up in business:
- you are your own boss, and have control over your daily workload
- a sense of achievement and personal fulfillment from running your own business
- working hours that suit you
- your level of achievement cannot be controlled by anyone else
- no one day is ever the same - you’re not involved in just one area of the company: you’re involved in all
- all profits generated go to you
- complete recognition for your achievements and successes
- you are in control of your destiny
If you are interested in setting up your own business, you may find the contacts below helpful.
Business Link - www.businesslink.gov.uk
Service: online advice and information regarding social enterprise, starting up your own business, expanding your own business and self-employment as well as many other aspects of business. |
Cabinet Office of the Third Sector - www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
“Our social enterprise activity is focused on working across government to create an environment in the UK for social enterprises to thrive. Our vision is of a dynamic and sustainable social enterprise sector contributing to a stronger economy and a fairer society.” |
NEFA (National Federation of Enterprise Agencies) - www.nfea.com
Service: network of independent, not for profit local agencies committed to responding to the needs of small and growing businesses by providing a comprehensive range of quality services. |
Next Step – advice on learning and work www.nextstepstaffs.org.uk
Service: Advice on self-employment and starting your own business.
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Social Enterprise Coalition: the voice of social enterprise - www.socialenterprise.org.uk
Service: The Coalition provides a national platform for showcasing the benefits of social enterprise. It shares best practice and influences policy in order to create an enabling environment for social enterprise. It works to ensure social enterprises can learn from and support each other.
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Social Enterprise Network - www.networks.nhs.uk
Service: the Social Enterprise Network is the only national network for those with an interest in social enterprise and social entrepreneurship in health and care. Also contains a useful resources Section.
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Local Social Enterprise Schemes
Epic – Empowering People, Inspiring Communities - www.bentileehousing.com
Tel: 01782 252575
Service: formerly known as Bentilee Community Housing, this non-profit making organisation provides homes in the Bentilee area of Stoke-on-Trent.
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Groundwork Stoke-On-Trent - www.groundwork-stoke.org.uk
Tel: 01782 829900
Service: this organisation is dedicated to the regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent; it runs various community projects in and around the city. Currently working towards becoming a social enterprise.
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The Hollybush Centre - http://thehollybushcentre.co.uk
Tel: 01782) 326006
Address: 77 - 81 Meaford Drive, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent. ST3 2BB.
Service: A training & community centre serving the Hollybush estate, Blurton and surrounding areas.
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Social Enterprise in Stoke-On-Trent: City Council - www.stoke.gov.uk
Tel: 01782 232723
Stoke-On-Trent City Council has set up a task group to distinguish what social enterprise schemes are and what part they play within the city.
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Voluntary Action Stoke-On-Trent - www.vast.org.uk
Tel: 01782 683030
Service: supports local voluntary and community organisations in their self-development. Currently working towards becoming a social enterprise.
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Disclaimer
Information correct at time of publishing pages. Inclusion of site/organisation on these pages is no guarantee of the quality of information or service provided. |
