Entrepreneurship
Theme: Social Enterprise
Cross-cutting themes covered: Tailored business support
Name of project: Havering Social Economy Support Unit
City: London
What is it? The Havering Social Economy Support Unit was set up in 2003 to provide new and emerging social enterprises with advice, guidance and funding.
Who is it? The Support Unit works in partnership with the London Borough of Havering and the Havering Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations.
Where is it? Havering is a relatively prosperous part of London, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the capital. However, three of Havering’s wards are amongst the 25 most deprived in the UK. Moreover, 6% of Havering’s households are single parents with dependent children. Health is also a primary concern for local residents, where 17% of local residents state they suffer from a long-term illness, health problem or disability.
Who funds it?
How does it work? Tailored business support: Havering Social Economy Support Unit provides high-quality business advice tailored to the needs of social enterprises. If offers the following services:
- Access to tailored business and enterprise support and advice - Training and mentoring - Access to information on start-up funds and loans - Networking opportunities with other social enterprises - Access to business planning training - Access to financial management training and advice - Access to office space and facilities, such as hot-desking and photocopying facilities
The Support Unit employs two people, one of whom takes care of strategy and development issues and another who focuses more on the operational side. Initial support to a social enterprise is free, although some charges may vary depending on the status and turnover of the business.
What are the results? This project constitutes one of the first examples of local authorities in London recognising the significance of the social economy for local social and economic development and taking measures to support it.
The Support Unit has developed a social enterprise training programme, information workshops and one-to-one sessions for community and voluntary groups, representing ethnic minorities, women and other hard-to-reach groups. By developing these programmes, the Unit has ensured that the local communities have been able to access information and support in their locality.
Is it successful? The Support Unit has provided support to a wide range of clients whose business ideas have included: mental health services, historical/rural crafts shops, community cafés, childcare services and horticultural services.
Is the model transferable ? This basic approach of this model – i.e. offering tailored support to the social enterprise sector – is transferable to other areas.
Building on local competitive advantages? Importantly, there is demand for these services in London. Many dynamic social entrepreneurs exist to make use of the service.
What are the barriers to transferability? This project resulted from the initiative of a local authority and received the support of the London Development Agency. Lack of public sector funding and support could pose a significant barrier to transferability in other areas.
