The Social Solutions Academy is excited about the launch of its first publication, 'The No Nonsense Guide to Social Enterprise Success’. The eye catching easy to read is packed with articles from local industry experts presently working with social entrepreneurs and public sector funding managers in the North West.
Issue one is now available and will be updated in June. Free copies can be obtained by request (£1 postage charge). Copies will also be given out at monthly development workshops or events.
The guide has been written to stimulate and support aspiring and successful social enterprises operating a range of social businesses ranging from health care to environmental services. Many articles are also relevant to public sector workers looking for new opportunities. Impending redundancies and other financial cuts being made in public sector departments enables many experienced professionals to seriously look at social entrepreneurship as a credible career change.
According to the 2009 Annual Survey of Small Businesses (ASBS) the social enterprise sector is growing, as there are over 62,000 Social Enterprises in the UK. ‘The No Nonsense Guide to Social Enterprise Success’ aims to encourage and inspire social entrepreneurs by showcasing success. The guide signposts the support available for start-up and more established social businesses.
Interviews with successful social entrepreneurs David Dawes and award winning Peter Cousins OBE based in the North West are also featured in issue one. These experienced social leaders openly speak about their successes and failures in business and the types of help they received.
Other articles cover a range of issues which are not always targeted at social entrepreneurs, such as the importance of strong leadership, why mentoring helps and wealth creation. “I am thrilled we’ve produced a publication aimed at helping social entrepreneurs adapt to an environment where there will be major changes within the public sector. We are looking forward to hearing feedback from readers on edition one” said Vanessa Augustus, Head of Innovation & Partnerships.
The first edition will also be of interest to people seeking to find out more about social enterprises or increase their understanding of how the public is delivered. Other topics featured include articles on ‘the Big Society’ and ‘what is commissioning?’
Future editions of the ‘No Nonsense Guide to Social Enterprise Success’ will showcase Guest Editors representing the social enterprise community in the North West.