Perfect Piece of Work

Perfect Piece of Work

A piece of work commissioned by the Consortium with Perfect Moment Consultants found there is support for the creation of a social enterprise network in Plymouth.  All aspects of this work: the online survey, the telephone interviews and the introductory event have shown that people are in favour of the concept and that a network could be effective in Plymouth.

There are, however, some important conditions to this around clarity of purpose for any network. This document and, in particular, the prospectus in Section 6 helps to provide that clarity.

There are some important factors that will make a network successful:

• The network needs clear aims and a purpose.

• The network needs some start-up resources to get off the ground. After that the network will need to act in an enterprising manner to attract enough resources to function.

• The network should have a focus on enterprise and promoting social enterprise business concepts not on funding.

• Close liaison with organisations delivering business support and advice such as RISE and Co-active is essential to ensure that the network does not duplicate other services.

• Many people mentioned issues that could be wrapped up in the term \'values\'. A network must learn the lessons of previous networks and have a clear set of values especially around transparency, trust and respect.

• Ultimately, the network must create something that is of value to the members.

We also found that more work is needed to establish an up-to-date database of social enterprises in the city to help with future research and promotion of a network.

To Read the full report please click the link below

Plymouth Social Enterprise Network