Barefoot Business News from Robert Ashton
| June 2011
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I want to be explicit and challenge you to do stuff!
The Government's current discomfort around what is seen as waning popularity for 'Big Society' is paradoxially a symptom of positive change. Of course the media and Government critics suggest otherwise, but what I am seeing is the dawning of a 'Big Reality.' Reality because national and consumer debt, together with weak economic growth and a growing demand for health and social services are facts nobody can dispute.
How we ethically, economically and sensitively respond to these convergent crises is the Big Reality we all face. Unison can call strikes to protect public sector pensions but the public have little appetite to pay more tax to fund them. After decades of top down Government, heavy regulation and many spectacular mistakes, the public also want more say in what happens. Rightly, people increasingly believe that yes, they do know what's best.
Criticism of Big Society is the inevitable shooting of the messenger. It is also signifies that the message is finally being understood. It's time for us now to make things happen. Our opportunity is now!
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| It's a load of bollocks really | |
A few days ago I spent a morning with members of the Deaf Council. My talk followed a very considered overview of the political situation by ACEVO's Sir Stuart Etherington. I wanted to disagree with him, but it was difficult if not impossible. He can clearly see a bigger picture emerging and is too much a sector sage to be swayed by today's political rhetoric.
My challenge to the audience was simple. Find common ground and shared goals, then go flat out to make it happen. My session was simultaneously translated into British Sign Language and to grab attention I described some of what we'd heard that morning as 'bollocks'. I was delighted to get a laugh and now have a BSL vocabulary of one word. A rude word!
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| A word in edgeways |
This week also saw my first meeting with Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society. Together with my local MP George Freeman, Zac Goldsmith MP and John Bird of Big Issue we had a lively debate about how those of us working at grassroots level are translating Big Society vision into Big Reality action.
John Bird's a lovely man with a lot to say, but I managed to get more than a word in edgeways. You'll be pleased to know that Nick Hurd is now very aware of the bureaucratic barriers I encounter, trying to make happen some of the things Government say they want to see.
That morning, I met the CEO of a marginalised charity battling with NHS bureaucracy to establish a social enterprise. It was nice to be able to share the story with the person best placed to challenge the stuff that's getting in the way.
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| Almost too good to be true | |
Regular followers will know that I've recently invested in Ethecol, a start-up social enterprise. The business proposition is simple. We enable fundraisers and membership organisations to earn a small commission on every card transaction made through our chip & pin terminals once placed within their supporters' enterprises. What's more the supporters usually find our rates more attractive than their current provider. Early adopters include the Plunkett Foundation, Social Enterprise Coalition and a fast growing number of Community Foundations.
You don't have to wait to be approached by a charity. If you want to save money, raise money and see profit diverted from greedy banks to good causes, let us know. We'll quickly get you set up, probably with your local Community Foundation.
To make this irresistible opportunity even more attractive, I'll send a signed copy of one of my books to everyone who signs before the end of July. Use this spreadsheet to calculate how much you'll save. Then get in touch.
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| Would you like me to help you become more entrepreneurial? | |
I've finally reached the point of maximum frustration with the fast fragmenting business support and qualifications sector. They don't do anything wrong, but too often Government funding gets in the way of simple, practical, collective, rule bending enterprise self help. I'm also far from impressed by the way some big names are making lots of noise, taking lots of money yet falling short when it comes to delivering big results.
So I'm launching my very own 'Barefoot Business Academy'. This ten month programme will build a UK wide network of like minded, ambitious people who want to be more entrepreneurial, take control of their futures and in their own modest way, make the world a better place.
The programme kicks off in early September, will run for ten months and carries a 'money back guarantee' for anyone not happy after three months. It'll cost just £100 + VAT per month to take part. During July and August I'll be meeting potential participants who, for a commitment fee of £150 + VAT, will be encouraged, reassured and perhaps gently challenged too. More details here.
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| Shorts | |
No, I'm not talking about my summer legwear but want to share a few more exciting opportunities with you before you get bored and click delete.
- I'm co-organising a conference on Special Educational Needs for parents and professionals on October 14 & 15. See the website for more details and sponsorship opportunities;
- I've just met Stuart Carmichael who set up the Debt Support Trust last year. This self financing ethical debt advice organisation is going places. Take a look and see why!
- See what I've been saying in the media:
o New card service cuts costs for community shops
o The free school revolution begins
o Social entrepreneurship - what exactly is it?
o Big Society trouble-shooter urges David Cameron to get on the phone to his local council
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Quote of the month
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'The iPhone is fast replacing the AK47 as the most effective tool to bring about fundamental social and political change. Now the pen really is mightier than the sword - be heard!'
Robert Ashton
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Sincerely,
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