Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Reaching new heights in social enterprises’ relationship with social landlords

by Ethos public relations

The North West is leading the way in forging new links between Registered Social Landlords, RSL, and the region’s social enterprise sector in an effort to create a better working relationship.

And, where better for this relationship to reach new heights, but a meeting in the Cumbrian town of Alston – said to be one of Britain’s highest market towns above sea level.

Delegates from the Social Enterprise Practitioners’ Group of major North West social landlords, including representatives from Contour Housing Group and Preston’s Community Gateway, were joined by leaders from the social enterprise sector for a ‘social enterprise safari’ around the local shops and services.

With a population of just 2,200, Alston boasts one social enterprise per every 100 homes, creating 80 full and part time jobs and generating a combined turnover of £2.6million a year.

One of the highlights of the event, which was funded by the Office of the Third Sector and the Northwest Regional Development Agency, NWDA, included a keynote address from one of the government-appointed Social Enterprise Ambassadors, Daniel Heery, who pioneered the introduction of broadband to the remote town and established Cybermoor.

Daniel said: “The likes of BT saw Alston as too remote to fit broadband but, by partnering the local school, we were able to get local residents and businesses online. The key to our success has always been to diversify and embrace new technology. For example, our e-health programme sees Telehealth units and video links from our rural community to the health practitioners.”

Delegates were shown around a rich mix of vibrant social enterprises in the town that are interwoven in the fabric of local society and help to create a strong local community.

Social enterprises included:

- The Moody Baker – a cooperative specialising in fresh loaves and bakery produce

- Nenthead Community Shop - including a Post Office branch once faced with closure

- South Tynedale Railway (below) – offering rides through the countryside

- Alston Moor Fitness Club (bottom) – providing affordable fitness activities for 200 members

- Alston Wholefoods (left) - a treat for lovers of locally-produced foods.

Samantha McHale, from Contour Housing Group, was delighted with the fact-finding mission. She said: “It is excellent to see the impact that social enterprises are having on the local community and it is important that we strengthen the links between RSLs and the third sector, as we both have a similar ethos. Seeing social enterprise in action inspires housing associations that they are a viable suppliers of services and we should encourage such trading.”

A view echoed by Val Jones, chief executive at Social Enterprise North West. She said: “RSLs have great purchasing power and share common ground so it is vital that we bring both sectors together.”

For more information on the Social Enterprise Practitioners’ Group, contact Val Jones, Social Enterprise North West, at val.jones@senw.org.uk or 0151 237 3986.

Posted at 18^th June 2010