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Greetings!
What is a Social Enterprise?
Everyone seems to have their own
definition of a social enterprise. The Social Enterprise Coalition says that;
'social enterprises are businesses trading for social and environmental
purposes.' Business Link on the other hand provides a handy checklist they use
when checking if you qualify for grants. (Download it here)
Many believe that you cannot be
a social enterprise unless your organisation is structured in a way that
prevents you from profiting from it yourself. The asset lock and cap on profit
distribution of a CIC illustrate this well. It's a limited liability company
with financial handcuffs to guarantee 'fair play'.
But where does social enterprise
end and corporate social responsibility begin? Many large organisations
recognise that 'putting something back' motivates employees and customers. In
fact done properly, it gives a real return on investment. But unlike social
enterprise, it is voluntary.
My view is that social
enterprise and CSR are destined to merge. A true entrepreneur sets out to make
both a difference and a profit and at times, the balance between the two needs
to change, for example in a recession.
I define a social enterprise as
one where the social motive is equal or greater than the profit motive. Legal
structures make far less difference than the motivation of the entrepreneur.
My view is that one day all
enterprises will be social enterprises. Do you agree?
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Now's the time to start a business
What have the hard hitting corporate champion Jack Welch to Tim Campbell, former winner of 'The Apprentice' and founder of Bright Ideas Trust got in common? They've both gone public recently saying that in their view, now is the time to start a business.
I first became self employed in 1990 at the height of the last recession and with hindsight, it was the best time for me to get started. Here are five good reasons to start your business this year:
- People are looking for innovative, better value new suppliers.
- Things cost less so start-up costs are lower.
- Low interest rates make borrowing easier (and banks will lend if you have a credible plan)
- It puts you in control, of your income, life and destiny.
- My new book,'How to Start Your Own Business - For Entrepreneurs' tells you all you need to know and can be pre-ordered from Amazon at an amazing 45% discount.
George Derbyshire, Director of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies had this to say about the new book.
'Robert Ashton has done it again, and the timing is perfect. He covers all the key topics around starting a business in a practical and comprehensive way, with lots of tips, case studies and apt quotations. All you need'. |
Quotation of the Month
'I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.' Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Picasso knew that the only way to learn is by doing. Research and preparation are important, but deep down we all know that it is practice that makes perfect.
That's why good business advice and mentoring are so important. The decisions have to be yours, but it makes good sense to seek support from people that have been there before and bear the scars.
Find out how I can help you as an adviser or mentor. You might even qualify for a grant to cover all or part of the cost!
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I'm Not Blowing My Own Trumpet
I'm producing a handout for a social enterprise conference and wanted a few testimonials. Here's what the first three people we asked said about me.
"Robert has given me an immense amount of encouragement whilst setting up a new venture within an exceptionally challenging economy. He has an astute sense of business, yet a very caring manner. Robert thinks outside the box and his wide range of useful contacts is of great value".
Steve Foyster, Norwich Christian Resource Centre "Our work with Robert has been incredibly beneficial. He has opened our minds about how to work. I am looking forward to working with Robert again as our business relationship continues."
Andy Kent, Andy's Kars, Cambridge "Robert was incredibly friendly and helpful. His style is different form the norm to say the least! He has worked wonders with Ask Vera and I thoroughly look forward to working with him again.
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