The Consortium will support organisations to work in partnership to deliver services through a single point of contracting.

It will generate strategic capability, negotiating power and funding prospects. It will also raise the profile of member organisations and focus on service quality improvement.

The Consortium will be of interest to any third sector organisation contracting or considering contracting for delivery of public services. It will also interest organisations who are keen to work through innovative partnerships to plan and deliver a wide range of services.

For more information contact Jozi Brown

Telephone  01228 512513 or Email  jozib@cumbriacvs.org.uk

From Saturday 1 October 2011 rates will apply as follows

The main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08

The 18 to 20 rate will increase to £4.98

The 16 to 17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 will increase to £3.68

The apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship will increase to £2.60

Find more information on www.direct.gov.uk

Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership Manager –  Rob Randell says: “It’s the one annual event for the sector to come together from all points of the region and work, talk and trade with each other. The calibre of speakers and workshops is extremely high this year and I know social enterprises in Cumbria will get a lot out of attending.”

Invited guests include:

• Peter Holbrook from the sector’s national body, Social Enterprise UK
• Sarah Flood from the Social Investment Business
• Claire Young a former contestant on TV’s The Apprentice

The specialist workshops will be taken by leading industry experts including Matt Smith whose experience at the Key Fund has seen more than £7million investment in social enterprise and Daniel Lindgren from Sweden who runs a franchised social enterprise hotel.

“It’s all about increasing revenue for social enterprises by making new contacts, inter-trading and raising their profile on the region stage,” says Val Jones, Chief Executive at Social Enterprise North West, “as the trade fair is the best, and most cost effective way for social enterprises to come to the attention of potential customers and funders.”

CLICK HERE to read more about the Trade Fair and how to book a place or stand.

CSEP will be providing coach transport from Cumbria to and from the event. Anyone who would like to use this service should email enquiries@socialenterpriseincumbria.org

Guest speakers John Woodcock MP, Mayor of Barrow John Murphy, Neil Doherty of Inspire, Graham Bromley of Marsh Street Arches CIC will provide their own insights on how the social enterprise sector can survive and thrive. The event will conclude with a motivational talk on the vision and viability of social enterprises from experienced entrepreneur, Glen Richardson of Cake.

This is a great opportunity to network with like minded colleagues and learn first-hand about the services and products on offer from social enterprises in the area.

Barrow and the surrounding areas host a wide variety of social enterprises involved in activities which range from furniture recycling to film and media production, day nursery facilities to self harm awareness training. Continued backing and encouragement can enable these organisations to make very worthwhile contributions to the local economy in the future.

If you would like to book your place on this free event, or would like to bring along a display or set up an exhibition, please contact Becky Smith on 01229 820611 or by email on rsmith@furnessenterprise.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you there.

It is anticipated that the programme will run between late May 2011 and December 2011 and include the following subjects:

• Challenges to the Third Sector
• Managing Volunteers
• Using Social Media to market your organisation
• Time Management
• Leadership & Management
• Developing your Communication Skills

Please contact Val Robinson at Furness Enterprise for further details or if you have any suggestions for future action learning.

• An Introduction to Public Service Contracting ……….. Introductory workshop designed to provide participants with a broad understanding of the processes and procedures associated with tendering for a Public Service contract – from pricing policy and compliance with tender requirements to presentation, proof reading and writing skills.  

• Generating Sales, Making Money ………….. Participants were able to discuss the financial and operational pressures of running a social enterprise.  They were also be encouraged to think about a range of remedial responses – including ways to improve the earning potential of their organisation and how to adopt an effective approach to procurement.

• Financial Diversification ……….  Social Enterprises and Third Sector Organisations are now facing a whole new set of challenges to survive.  This interactive workshop helped delegates to prepare for increasingly competitive markets, new commissioning and procurement circumstances and generating income from commercial activity.  All this while maintaining the ethical social objectives of the Social Enterprise.

Subject to sufficient interest these workshops can be repeated in the future.  Please contact: Val Robinson at Furness Enterprise for further details or if you have any suggestions for alternative training.

Aim

• To improve the prospects for a sustainable Social Enterprise sector in the Barrow area by advocating good practice, widening horizons of expectation and facilitating constructive change.

Objectives

• Achieve a common understanding on the vital social, economic and environmental factors which typically influence the progress of Social Enterprise organisations
• Recognise the key challenges facing Social Enterprise communities in 2011
• Identify trading and support gaps in local Social Enterprise provision
• Explore ‘ ways and means’ of strengthening joint working arrangements between local Social Enterprise support agencies
• Formulate new initiatives and activities which help to grow and consolidate a strong Social Enterprise presence in the Barrow area

Regular progress updates on group activities will appear on this website page.