ABSEN Meeting Dunoon Report
The Argyll & Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN) is one of the most dynamic in Scotland and its recent regional gathering in Dunoon Community Learning Centre included host social enterprises HELP and Argyll Training, but with representatives from local development trusts, childcare groups, employability charities, housing associations and health and social care companies.
In these days of economic gloom and loss of faith in the commercial world one sector of the economy which continues to grow is the social economy – that is businesses which are run for social or environmental benefit not private profit.
At their quarterly meeting in April this year, ABSEN Members had a two hour masterclass in income generation from Fife base BRAG – (Benarty Regeneration Action Group) which has helped revolutionise economic regeneration in an area blighted by the collapse of coal mining. This leading social enterprise, which converted a run down primary school building into a thriving business and training hub in Central Fife specialises in training and helping people into employment. Chief Executive John Oates explained “The days of regular grant funding from central and local government are gone and its very important that social enterprises find ways to earn income to support their work. Whether you are a village hall, care provider or a development trust, organisations must look to a wider ranger of income streams. At BRAG we have diversified and grown from our core business and are now much stronger for it. ”
James Hilder, Chair of ABSEN was enthusiastic “There has never been as much support for social enterprise as there is now from government so it’s a good time to be expanding your operations or perhaps establishing new enterprises that serve a market need in your area. We were delighted that BRAG were able to come to Argyll so we could pick their brains!
Argyll & Bute Council offers a listening ear
Mike Geraghty, Development Officer for ABSEN continued “Interestingly BRAG had the support of their local authority who offered favourable terms to acquire the old primary school as an asset and this is a theme we are working on with Argyll & Bute Council. Council Leader Dick Walsh has spearheaded a project looking at how the Council can be more supportive of social enterprises and we are working closely on issues like this. The Council will shortly be launching a widespread consultation for all community and voluntary groups and social enterprises (referred to collectively as the Third Sector) on the 5th May and I would urge anyone involved in voluntary work or social enterprise to take part. Details will be posted on www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/thirdsector
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