How does a new market stall choose the best filling for his wraps? What do IT Maintenance retailers do to find out how customers feel about using a Cloud computing service? How can a Fitness expert be sure his bootcamps will meet the needs of most of his clients? Where does a new social enterprise start to measure the social impact it will create through its activities?

These companies don’t just guess how their customers or beneficiaries feel. They do what we call field research by talking to their customers.

In the Enterprise Skills Programme I deliver every month, where we help people set up in business, I cover this by inviting delegates to do a focus group.

The idea is to bring together a group of consumers who represent a sample of your target market. You then engage them in a topic that is important to you.

Perhaps you want feedback on a product you are launching, like our computer guy and his Cloud service, or you want to capture how people see your brand, or perhaps generate ideas on how to solve a problem.

Regardless of what you want to achieve you need to prepare well, analyse feedback afterwards and take action.

Here is how new entrepreneurs in my latest group have done it.

Focus Group Enterprise Skills Programme

Food Market Stall on a busy road in Manchester selling wraps.

John wanted to gauge what people felt about the business name he had chosen, the type of wraps he wants to offer and how people felt about meat substitute. As a result of discussing it with the group, he changed his business name and he is considering making the wraps in front of customers.

How: he did a presentation and asked questions.

Jewellery and ornament design.

Michala presented her collection and asked questions about the perceived value of various pieces. She got feedback on pricing, packaging and presentation of the items on a market stall. She was amazed to find out that one of her sculptures was considered by all to be a real master piece and that she should start developing collections on the themes she had created. She is now looking at making her ornaments to go on wedding cakes and is considering sculpting with sugar.

How: she displayed the items, asked people to look and touch, started a debate and then asked them to complete a short questionnaire.

Lip Balm and natural beauty products. (picture above)

Liz arrived with a nice looking wicker basket which unveiled tiny little lip balm pots nicely presented with ribbons and labels. Once she presented the products and talked about how they were made, she invited people to complete a short questionnaire. Her aim was to find out if people used lip balm, what for, when (season) and where they bought it from. As a result of the focus group she identified her price range, got confirmation that her products where of good quality (we all tried it and it lasted all day!!) and got the promise of a first order!

How: she displayed the items and we all tasted them using a small knife (not fingers!), including the men in the group. The visual and sensory part of the focus group was complemented by the questionnaire which helped Liz clarify her pricing and identify who the real competitors are.

IT Maintenance and Cloud Computing

Adam introduced us to the world of IT and explained how small businesses manage business continuity. When your topic is technical it is important to go back to basics and avoid jargon, which is what Adam did in his informal presentation. He then asked people specific questions as he wanted to understand how new entrepreneurs will be thinking about managing and safeguarding data. As you can imagine we fired many questions at him. As a result of the focus group he is now considering developing a factsheet to explain what his business does in simple terms, and he is looking at offering an IT health check to develop a relationship with clients and demystify the concept of Cloud computing for the none experts amongst us.

How: informal presentation, questioning, discussion. Adam used analogies to explain what he does and it worked well.

Fitness Bootcamp

We have all heard about fitness bootcamps, there are now taking place everywhere in our parks. When David first came to the course he did not want to describe what he does as a bootcamp and he did not want to call himself a personal trainer. However, every time we talked about his business we ended up using those terms and through the focus group, David realised that the term Fitness bootcamp was now recognised in the industry and people would use those words to search for his service on the internet.  What David wanted to do, is look different and unique and the focus group tested this.  What better way to describe your business than showing it to you? Yes he got us involved, running and boxing on the spot, but did more than that. He explained why we were doing each move, how it would affect our body and health. I won’t reveal his UPS here because he is not set up yet but you can be assured that David’s business is different and the field research helped him confirm this.

How: David told us a story. That story got us engaged. The story, the talk, the exercise, showed off his expertise and made us trust him even more. Some of us even wanted to sign up there and then.  That’s the power of field research.

So, what is the point of field research?

Hopefully, I have demonstrated this to you with a snapshot of our latest focus group above.

Tips:

1. Prepare well: make sure that the location of your focus group or other type of field research is safe (risk assessment), comfortable and conducive to working. Invite a good sample of your target market to attend, and do this early. Know how many people are coming in advance. It is not a walk in a park after all, it is a serious exercise that will help you make key decisions for your business.  Get people’s details. Prepare a signing sheet.
2. Have specific aims: define what you want to get out of this field research, i.e. feedback on product range, delivery model, consumer habits, branding, packaging, pricing etc..
3. Engage with your audience: they are giving you some free times, you need to reward them with a compelling story or product. If you do a taster session make sure there is enough for everybody. Provide refreshments, it always goes well.
4. Be prepared for the feedback. This is twofold, have the questionnaires handy or record/video the session, or get somebody to make notes all the way through, find a way to get information that you will later on analyse and act upon. Be also ready to take criticism and don’t get defensive or too argumentative. You want people to tell you what they really think. At the end of the day you do not want to launch a product that nobody will buy. Finding out sooner than later is what field research is all about.
5. Show off your expertise and professionalism. If you are doing field research you are serious about starting your business so why not already demonstrate that your business is real and that consumers should have confidence in you and your products. You might be lining up your first 10 customers.
6. Take action. Don’t sit there doing nothing with it. Analyse the feedback, make decisions on what you have found out and perhaps ask the same sample group what they think – “before” and “after” scenario.
7. Do another one. Now that you have gained experience, do another one, perhaps with another target group or a bigger sample. Promote the fact you have done it and are planning another one. This is about building up your brand and giving your business more credibility.
8. Consider various methods. Think about complementing your face to face focus groups with field research online, use online questionnaires (Survey Monkey or similar), ask questions on your Facebook page, start a forum on LinkedIn, etc.

Take action now and good luck!

If you want support with conducting field research or simply help with getting your business or social business on track, Singulier Ltd offers e-coaching, including a free consultation. Alternatively you can buy in our services to deliver an Enterprise Skills Course for your organisation. Contact us here.

Singulier Ltd is managed by Isabelle Farquhar and supports entrepreneurs to start and stay in business. www.singulier.co.uk

It was intense, challenging, exciting, exhausting at times but truly rewarding for all involved.

And NO it is not over. For the builder, the artist, the accountant, the IT engineers, the event manager, the yoyo reseller, the market trader, … It is the start of a new life as a business person.

So what did they learn during that time with us?

• Whether or not they will have the ability to run a business,
• The size, trends, challenges and opportunities in their market sector,
• The types of customers they should promote their services to,
• The level of competition they will face in their chosen trade,
• How to produce and understand financial information,
• If they can break even and how,
• Whether or not they will make a profit with their forecasted sales and running costs,
• How to deal with bookkeeping and Tax affairs,
• How to employ people and prepare for the Real Time Information for PAYE
• The best ways to promote their new business including the dos and dont on social media,
• And a lot more…

And what did they come away with?

• A good enough business plan draft,
• A 12 months strategy and plan of action on how to make things happen after the course
• A list of potential clients which they will be contacting next week,
• Last but not least new friends, as networking on the course is a crucial part of everybody’s success.

Feedback from the January cohort:

So what about you?

Are you unemployed or looking to start your own business?

Once again we will be starting a 10 days course but over 10 weeks this time, for individuals who really want to work for themselves.  It gives you more time to research and plan.

All participants who complete the course will gain practical knowledge on how to set up in business as well as a valuable qualification:

Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, developed by Edexcel in association with Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.  

Don’t delay your dreams. Join us.

If you require any further information, to refer or to enrol onto the course, please contact Duane Dibell  Tel: 0161 972 4001 or

E: duane@thetrainingbrokers.co.uk

The Enterprise Skills Course content was produced and delivered by Singulier Ltd.

If you are looking for professional trainers do not hesitate to contact us: info@singulier.co.uk

Are you unemployed or looking to start your own business?

Once again we are delivering a 5 weeks course for individuals who want to work for themselves.

We are delighted to be working with The Training Brokers who have brought back their popular Self-Employment course…

This time it’s better!

Not only will the learners gain the knowledge to set themselves up in business but they will also gain not 1 but 2 qualifications!!

BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Enterprise Skills and…

BTEC Level 2 Certificate in WorkSkills.

This 5 weeks, 10 sessions, Enterprise Skills course is currently scheduled in the following areas and is available fully funded for people who meet the eligibility criteria.

• Stockport (Close to Didsbury and the M60) starting on Wednesday 05^th December 2012
• Eccles (Close to the M60 and Tram routes) Starting on Wednesday 23^rd December 2012

If you require any further information, to refer or to enrol onto the course, please contact Duane Dibell  Tel: 0161 972 4001 or

E: duane@thetrainingbrokers.co.uk

The MAKING BUSINESS WORK programme, partly funded by ERDF is now available to existing businesses in Merseyside

We are working with Elizabeth Jane Associates Ltd to support eligible companies. This includes social enterprises.

We can help and advice on:

Business Improvements:

• Business Planning
• Business Growth
• Sales Diagnostic
• Marketing improvements
• Import & Export advice
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Workforce Development

Finance:

• Cost reduction plans
• Full Cost Recovery
• Cash flow diagnostic
• Debt recovery advice
• Fundraising advice

Business Processes:

• Quality Standards advice
• Environmental Standards advice
• Health and Safety improvements
• HR Support
• Equality & Diversity improvements
• Customer database improvements
• Governance review
• Board Skills audit
• Social Impact Monitoring
• Volunteers management

How it works:

Once you are registered on the programme we do a business diagnostic which will issue a plan of action to meet your specific business needs. You can get Up to 12 hours of funded support on the topics of your choice.

Eligibility:

The programme is available to registered companies located in Merseyside¹, Social Enterprises, BME enterprises, Women and Disabled led enterprises.¹postcode  and activity sector checks apply. Please check full eligibility with us.

Delivery:

Alt Valley Community Trust is the lead consortium partner. The programme is delivered by a diverse range of providers with a track record of delivering business, legal and HR support. They will work together to meet the business needs of each company, identified at diagnostic stage.

 For enquiries or to Book your Full Diagnostic contact Elizabeth Jane Associates.

For SME’s: Liz Hey T: 07753 464 245 – E: liz@elizabethjaneassociates.com www.elizabethjaneassociates.com

For Social Entreprises: Isabelle Farquhar T: 07533 605 706 –

E: isabelle@elizabethjaneassociates.com

To help you we have come up with a special offer. The following courses are available at a reduced price if bookings are made by the 12^th August, last day of the Olympics. So enjoy the Games and move towards making your social business an even better business.

The Social Enterprise Growth Challenge

Want to grow your social business? Allow yourself to be challenged!

The programme is made up of four workshops per year aimed at established social enterprises that are working on developing and growing the business. Each session acts as a catalyst to generate new ideas, plan and make things happen. “A powerful business workout I won’t be forgetting soon!”. P. Taylor 

Date: 3^rd October,  Price: £60 only for a full day including lunch

Bookings:     http://socialenterprisegrowth.eventbrite.co.uk/

Live Business Case

Are you looking at new ways to generate business? We will help you check the viability of a new project to present findings to your Board. You will not only produce key sections of your business plan on the day but we will provide you with data on your market sector which will complement your plan. “I did not know where to start with so many new ideas in my head. Now I know!”. J. Mackey

Dates: 10^th October, 5^th December  Price: £60 only for a full day including lunch

Bookings:     http://businesscaselive.eventbrite.co.uk/

Live Bid Writing

This workshop is aimed at start-ups or established Social Enterprises who need a little bit of extra support to develop their bid writing skills. It is “live” because the focus is on practice!  Bring along a bid you are working on. Alternatively, you will answer typical questions found in funding applications which you will be able to adapt and re-use in any bid. “Great workshop, time well spent, many thanks.” A. Peters. 

Dates: 19^th September, 14^th November. Price: £60 only for a full day including lunch

Bookings:     http://bidwritinglive.eventbrite.co.uk/

Generating Trading Income

Diversifying income streams for social enterprises is the key to financial sustainability. This workshop is aimed at organisations that need extra support to research how to generate more or new trading income. “You taught us so much, thanks, I feel more confident with identifying and using our assets to generate income”. C.Parker

Dates: 26^th September, 12^th December  Price: £60 only for a full day including lunch

Bookings:     http://generatingtradingincome.eventbrite.co.uk/

Social Enterprise Operational Toolkit 

In the current economic climate, only businesses with a strong foundation are able to compete and maintain trading income. This workshop is a step by step approach to developing appropriate processes looking after people, customers, sales, governance. This will make your social enterprise stronger, bid and tender ready. “I did not realize how much we were missing and how much we needed to put in place to be a strong social enterprise. Thanks for all the tools.” A. Palmer 

Dates: 24^th October Price: £60 only for a full day including lunch

Bookings:     http://socialenterprisetoolkit.eventbrite.co.uk/

Specialist Coaching for Social Enterprises

Many social enterprises struggle to achieve their potential.

To help you face some of your challenges and take action we have come up with a series of Specialist Coaching Sessions.  This is not a talk shop, nor a quick fix to all your problems. This is action at its best!

Area 0- Your session, your topic

Area 1- Marketing: How to market your social enterprise 

Area 2 -Trading: How to find ways to trade and be less reliant on funding 

Area 3 – Writing for success:  How to hit the right buttons with funders

Area 4 – Finance & Funding:  How to think long term planning and sustainability

Area 5 – Collaboration: How to develop effective partnership working.

Each Coaching session last 1 hour and is done on the telephone, so can be taken in your own time. You will complete the session with a comprehensive action plan to take forward.

Bookings: http://www.singulier.co.uk/services/coaching/

Price: £35 only   Dates: Contact us with your preferred day and time 

With us, it is all about learning by doing!

LIMITED PLACES ONLY

BOOK BY THE 12^TH AUGUST 2012

With professional coaching all year round we act as an extension of your Board, your Sales team, your Management team to help you achieve your business and social objectives.

The What:

1 hour consultation to plan your full’s year strategic objectives

1 Business plan review, uncovering your commercial potential

1 Funding application or Tender review, acting as critical outsider

1 hour online Coaching per month, keeping you focused and on track

1 Growth Challenge session, acting as a catalyst to make things happen operationally

1 Case study promoted on social media, marketing you and your Social B more effectively,

10% discount on other Singulier Services (training, coaching)

This is our 12 months commitment to you.

That’s £1445 worth of support at an amazing £250 for a full year when you join Social B 4 Business.

The Why:

    Peace of mind: Professional support on your doorstep when you need it.

    Flexible & bespoke: We will adapt delivery around your needs.

It is like having your own consultant working ON your business alll year round WITH you.

Unique is what Singulier means.

Become Unique, Unleash the ” B” in your “Social Business.

Join us – action@singulier.co.uk

Apparently Social Enterprises are not very good at marketing themselves. Let’s change this.

For example, I have recently bought the following:
Pants from “Pants to Poverty” – A unique organisation working with farmers and factory workers in India. http://www.pantstopoverty.com/

A water bottle from GiveMe Tap – A new social enterprise helping to support access to water in Africa. http://www.givemetap.co.uk/shop

What about you?

If you are a social enterprise, let us know about you and what you have on offer, not only about Christmas gifts. We will endeavour to promote your organisation  through social media and network.

If you are an individual looking for something different for Christmas (including cards), think social enterprise. By buying from social enterprises you will help them provide more employment opportunities or support to people in their local community.

So what is your choice so far?

Inklusive CIC

Not your typical Christmas product but thanks Steve for making us aware of your activities. Most of us are into recycling or should be into recycling! Here is an interesting social enterprise. Inklusive CIC is a Community Interest Company providing high quality ink products to the UK. The team at Inklusive have over 30 years’ experience in the digital ink industry, which allows them to offer a wide range of high quality ink products backed up with a customer services excellence that is second to none. Try them out!  www.inklusive.co.uk

SHOP (Vintage Lounge & Arts Venue) CIC

We’re a Social Enterprise selling fashion-forward vintage clothing and design homeware to fund community arts events in Bristol.In addition, as a community arts Social Enterprise, we organise a Christmas Artisan Market for local makers, it takes place on Saturday 3rd December from 11am to 4pm. Join in! http://www.shoptheshop.co.uk/site/

Unum Designs

Provides unique and exclusive designs of furnishing, accessories and decorative items for the stylish and socially aware. All profits from UNUM DESIGNS sales are dedicated to running skills classes for vulnerable women. http://www.unumdesigns.co.uk

L’Arche Liverpool

A Christian community of 150 people in central Liverpool where people with and without learning disabilities live and work together. All of the products sold (Candles, Cards, etc) are produced by people with learning disabilities and profits are invested back into our social enterprise. http://www.larcheliverpool.org/

 Accessible Events Promotion

We work with partners to collect and display information about all accessible arts, community, cultural and leisure events. Currently we provide information about audio described events, captioned and BSL interpreted events. Other access will develop as society and our work evolves. Why do we do it? Providing information about accessible events encourages organisations to ensure their events are accessible. It strengthens the deaf and disabled community with confident deaf or disabled people enjoying their lives, meeting their friends and being a full part of society.  We all know somebody who has access needs. Register and take somebody you care about to an event they will enjoy for Christmas. http://accessibleevents.org.uk/north-west/about

Mbollou Music

Mbollou aims to promote cultural awareness, global learning, and celebrate diversity through the medium of African drumming, arts, crafts, dance, storytelling and traditions. In addition Mbollou promotes sustainable development and supports communities in the Gambia. At present we work with a wide variety of clients including, schools, nurseries, colleges, care homes, local authorities, housing associations and community groups.Book them for your entertainment at Christmas or for Team building etc. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sarah-humphreys/26/74a/a1

Buy from Social Firms.

Check out this website to source goods from Social Firms all year round! www.justbuy.org.uk

Keep it coming !

Let’s face it; we all know how hard it is to keep up with our market in the current economy.

To help you face some of your challenges and take action we have come up with a series of Specialist Coaching Sessions.

This is not a talk shop, nor a quick fix to all your problems.

You may need a medium to long term relationship with our coach to review all the barriers that are impeding growth in your organisation.

However, just one session on a specialist topic may address some of your issues. So, be ready to be proactive and implement solutions!

You can book a session to discuss any issues relating to your social business, alternatively we can focus on one or more areas of work which i have identified as stumbling blocks for most social enterprises I have worked with this year.

Area 0 -About you and your social enterprise.  Bring to the table anything you wish support with. No topic too big to discuss.

Area 1- Marketing: How to market your social enterprise. We will spend time reviewing how you currently market your organisation, assess your target market, develop key marketing messages and identify appropriate solutions and marketing methods for you.

Area 2 – Trading: How to find ways to trade and be less reliant on funding. We will look at 6 ways to generate income for your organisation and develop a comprehensive action plan to take forward to your board.

Area 3 – Writing for success:  How to hit the right buttons with funders. We will focus on writing techniques and developing the content of 3 key questions that you will find in most funding applications.

Area 4 – Finance & Funding:  How to think long term planning and sustainability. Need finance solutions to maintain your cashflow or for a project? We will identify the best options for your organisation at this moment in time.

Area 5 - Collaboration: How to develop effective partnership working. You may have considered co-operating with another organisation on a tender. We will help you assess how to do to this effectively to possibly cut costs or strengthen your chances to win contracts.

5 good reasons why you should book a coaching session with us:

1. This is specialist support from qualified and experienced coaches.
2. It is your meeting. We address your specific challenges.
3. You come away with a series of actions to take forward.
4. Our coaching sessions are done online, in your own time at your own pace.
5. We save you time and money. No travel or telephone costs.

To register your interest for Online Coaching please complete our Enquiry Form and indicate which area of work you wish to be supported with. 

To pay for the service please click Here and scroll down the page to the One to One Coaching Purchase Button.

Note: You may benefit from free coaching if you are an established social enterprise, less than 3 years old, based in Manchester, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Oldham, Rochdale, Wigan, Warrington, Cheshire, Liverpool City.  (postcode check will apply). Contact us with your company name and address so that we can check your eligibility for funded support . Offer valid until 16.12.11.

“Our social enterprise is doing well, we have grown steadily in the past 3 years but we are now at a crossroad. We can no longer grow without an injection of capital and the bank won’t help!”

Sounds familiar?

Most Social Enterprises need seed funding and growth funding in their life time.

In my line of work I get asked about funding and sources of finance for social enterprises all the time.

It is not that easy to keep up to date with what’s happening in the sector. It is time consuming and it does require good research technique.

Nevertheless, I have just finished compiling a good list of funding and finance sources available in the UK which I hope most social enterprises will find useful. It is not the Ultimate List! I have geared it towards social enterprises, not charities or voluntary groups, and as you know things are changing all the time! Still, it is 37 pages long and an excellent tool for anybody seeking funding and wanting to develop a funding plan.

I have also developed a workshop on the subject which I piloted in Manchester this week. 

Yes I covered grant funding but a lot more than that. We looked at a range of social investors, reviewed how private companies do it and studied the peer to peer loan approach (Funding Circle) and Crowdfunding methodology.

After all,  Crowdfunding worked for president Obama – he got $137 million for his election campaign using social media. So there is no reason it can’t work for you.

So if you are interested in our List of Funding and Finance Sources, just send us an Enquiry via the website  -The list is free.

Do you need support with Bid Writing or developing a Business Plan for your funding application? We can help too.

Footsey is the largest social enterprises exhibition in the North of England and takes place annually in the Autumn. Unfortunately the event was cancelled in December 2010 due to large amount of snow but rescheduled for the 3^rd of March 2011, and what an event it was!

The best think about exhibitions like this is the fact that you meet truly inspiring social enterprises and as part of my campaign around “LEARNING FROM OTHERS” I would like to give you a few examples right here:

• Social Firm: Buster’s Coffee Co  (FAIRTRADE, EMPLOYMENT)
• Industrial and Provident Society: Settle Hydro Ltd & Sheffield Renewables (ENERGY)
• Company Limited by Guarantee: Kivo-ebiz (COMMUNITY SERVICES, TRAINING)
• Community Interest Company: LIFE CIC (SPORTS, HEALTH, TRAINING)
• Charity: Greentop Circus (LEISURE, HEALTH)

Buster’s Coffee Co

Buster’s Coffee is a Sheffield-based Social Firm, creating employment for people who are severely disadvantaged in the labour market. They want the best for everyone – giving you great fairtrade coffee with a conscience. They will also give you everything else you need to make your ideal brew – sugar, stirrers, disposable cups.

The organisation was set up in 2002 with a commitment to operate as a ‘Social Firm’. Social Firms exist to create employment and work opportunities for disabled people and people otherwise disadvantaged in the labour market. Social Firms work to a set of values oriented around enterprise, positive employment and empowerment.

And it is not only Coffee they sell! Find their Tea and Chocolate range on their website and order online, next time you are organising an event. Speak to Rachel Neace. http://www.silverserviceconsultancy.co.uk/Busters/

Here are two organisations set up to produce energy with a Hydro Electric Scheme.

Settle Hydro Ltd

Settle Hydro was established as an ‘Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community’ with the specific purpose of owning the Settle Weir Hydro Electric Scheme. The Society will generate revenue by selling ‘green’ hydro-electricity.

Any surplus revenue will be used by the Society to benefit the local community through its twin aims of regenerating the local economy and promoting the environmental sustainability of Settle District.

The scheme is fully operational and the forecast is that it will generate an average of 150,000kWh (units) of electricity per year.  The organisation has recently produced an Invitation to Invest. Investing in Settle Hydro Ltd should be seen as a social investment and not a financial investment. Your money will fund a public-spirited organisation. For more information,  contact Ann Harding at www.settlehydro.org.uk

And

Sheffield Renewables

Sheffield Renewables is a social enterprise legally incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community (IPS BenCom). This status enables them to finance their work by selling shares, primarily to people and businesses within Sheffield. Sheffield Renewables was formed by a group of volunteers in late 2007 who are  committed to improving Sheffield’s environmental sustainability. The organisation aims to fund, develop, own and operate renewable energy schemes in a way which brings benefits to both the city and its people.

Have a look at the “Structure” section of their website for a good model of how you can develop an effective management team and governance model. For more information, or join the mailing list, www.sheffieldrenewables.org.uk

My interest in those two schemes is that I am working on a similar project that has a transnational aspect.

Kivo-Ebiz

The charitable way to sell your unwanted goods using EBAY .

Kivo-ebiz sells goods for individuals and businesses in the local community usually on EBAY. This Company Limited by Guarantee set up in 2008 provides numerous activities that help to improve the lives of local residents. Projects such as sports activities for young people, a community newsletter, restoring a community garden, training and “ways to work” programmes etc. All profit goes to the local charity – Kiveton Park & Wales Community Development Trust.

In the first 6 weeks of 2009 Kivo-ebiz sold over £5,000 of goods – the highest single item being an Omega watch selling for £1,725.00.

Why is it on my list of Social Enterprises to learn from? Because it is a unique model of enterprise that is able to merge commercial trading with strong community objectives. I admire their commercial sense. As well as traditional unwanted goods, the organisation works with local businesses, re-using their own packaging to sells their discontinued range of goods.

Interested in becoming an Ebiz projects in your own community?

Contact Stephanie Hryschko www.kivo-ebiz.co.uk

LIFE CIC

Leisure Instruction Fitness Education (LIFE) CIC is a training provider based in Doncaster. Life CIC exist to make a positive difference to communities by delivering a wide range of workshops that encourages young people to participate in health enhancing activities. As a Community Interest Company, the organisation reinvests its profits into providing services for local communities and works with multiple agencies, including the NHS, the Voluntary Sector, Schools, Public authorities, etc.

Another good example of quality support brought into schools that mixes sport, leisure, fun and health.

For more information on LIFE CIC www.lifecic.com

Greentop Circus

Greentop is a Charity and Social Enterprise delivering services to businesses, third sector organisations and the general public. They are about transforming life using circus arts and performance. They may help you with team building, event management and of course pure entertainment.

The organisation has been going for 20 years. They are partially funded by the Arts Council of England but also generate commercial income from their entertainment agency and multiple services. Greentop is managed by a small but dedicated team.

For more information and to book your next Entertainment package or your Team building event think Greentop and contact James Harkness. Greentop, A Social Enterprise with a circus twist. http://www.greentop.org

I hope you will enjoy reading about each of those social enterprises and will feel a little bit inspired for your own project.

If you need support in setting up a social enterprise, you may wish to benefit from our Footsey offer valid until 11^th March 2011.

Social Enterprise Launchpad

Buy 7 Modules + 5 Coaching or Review Sessions for £295 instead of £590, that’s half price!. It is a unique opportunity for anybody wishing to develop a social enterprise to get tailored personal support online to develop skills and a project fit for purpose.

To book email: info@singulier.co.uk and quote: Footsey Special Offer.