WISE up to helpingcommunity

Mar 18 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

BUSINESS and organisations in Redcar and Cleveland get wise to social enterprise tomorrow through a unique event showcasing the vital role of community organisations involved with social enterprise activities in the borough.

Workshops Inspiring Social Enterprise (WISE) takes place at Gisborough Hall Hotel, Guisborough, between 9.30am and 4.30pm and gives an insight into setting up businesses that will re-invest their profits to tackle social problems for the benefit of the whole community.

The event explains why the social enterprise sector has a vital role to play, how it works and how others can get involved.

Delegates will have the opportunity to choose two workshops from a variety of topics, led by leading practitioners from around the country.

Subjects include sales, marketing and promotion; effective strategies for long-term success; regulation and change; asset transfer; procurement; trading and social enterprise; and HR management and employment law.

“The WISE event has been designed to give delegates all the information and tools they need to establish and run their own social enterprise or to get involved with an existing one,” said Cllr Mark Hannon, cabinet member for economic development & rural affairs at Redcar & Cleveland Council.

“As well as showing local people how this type of organisation works and what steps you can take to get involved, it will also explore the secrets of running a successful social enterprise and provide an opportunity to meet individuals working in the sector right here in the borough.

“For social enterprises, knowledge of key business principles is especially important, as long-term success can often depend on these.”

The event is the latest initiative funded through the borough’s £10.9m Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) programme and attendance is free to residents and community businesses based in Redcar & Cleveland. For other interested parties, there is a charge of £150.

To book your place at the WISE event, call Sharon Ager at Avenue for Conferences and Events on 01642 724 010 or book online at www.itscominghere.co.uk/socialenterprise