Entrepreneurship
Theme: Social Enterprise
Cross-cutting themes covered:Governance and strategy
Name of project: LA Connects
City: London
What is it? LA Connects creates a forum for local authorities to share their experiences of promoting social enterprise, and build their capacity in this field. It also aims to develop a pan-London local government strategy for social enterprise development, strengthening partnership working and the social economy base.
Who is it? The project was launched by Social Enterprise London and is a forum of local authorities. Each local authority appoints a representative to LA Connects. Where is it? The project operates across London and currently brings together 28 of the city’s 33 local authorities.
Who funds it?
How does it work? Promoting good governance of the social economy: LA Connects provides a forum for the exchange of best practice among London local authorities, facilitating the development of a strategy for a healthy social enterprise base in London. This involves a discussion of the key barriers and opportunities for social enterprise in London, with a particular focus on the role local authorities can play.
Key issues discussed are:
LA Connects operates through quarterly meetings.
What are the results? The project has succeeded in engaging 28 of London’s 33 local authorities.
Is the model transferable? The model is essentially transferable to other areas. The financial commitment from local authorities is very small; instead the network relies on commitment of time and energy to the forum.
Building on local competitive advantages? The impetus behind this initiative stems from Social Enterprise London, an organisation active in developing the capacity of the social economy in London and supporting social enterprise development through support and advice.
What are the barriers to transferability? The success of the initiative also depends upon the effective participation and commitment of local authorities in sharing experience and working together to develop joint strategies. Without these factors, efforts to transfer the model could be difficult.
