Classes to help social enterprises think business

SENIOR executives and directors from the social enterprise sector are being encouraged hone their skills and improve standards in a series of free master-classes across the North West.

The classes, which have more than 400 places available, will be delivered by Social Enterprise North West (SENW).

The organisation said that a drawback for many social businesses is their focus on delivering a quality service that benefits society, rather than managerial skills to develop the business in the longer term.

The classes aim to improve strategic and business planning across the sector, among other skills.

Val Jones, chief executive, said: “This project represents a catalyst to create stronger social enterprise for the long term, which can capitalise on opportunities, increase organisational performance and increase profitability, enabling them to better meet their social and environmental objectives.

“The support provided will strike a balance between participative approaches, one to one individual support and organisational development including action learning sets, plus coaching and mentoring opportunities provided through the Capacity Builders programme.”

The day-long courses will take place over the next few months at centres across the North West and will be led by a specialist practitioner in that subject.

The social enterprise sector generates £2bn for the region and employs 50,000, with 30,000 volunteers.

The classes are funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Office of the Third Sector (OTS).

For more information and details of the local events email collette.morris@senw.org.uk.