Council investment will boost social enterprises

North Ayrshire Council is to give major financial backing to social enterprises in a bid to boost employment in the area.

The council’s cabinet has approved a new social enterprise strategy for North Ayrshire and a three-year action plan. The cabinet agreed to provide £242,000 funding to help develop social enterprises and implement the plan.

Social enterprises trade to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. They make their money from selling goods and services but then reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community.

New strategy

Currently, there are almost 100 social enterprises in North Ayrshire, including several on Arran, with annual income of £5.6million and the new strategy has set targets to grow the numbers and increase their turnover

Councillor Marie Burns, cabinet member for economy and communities, said: ‘I’m delighted with the development of our social enterprise strategy which can make a real difference to local communities across North Ayrshire.

‘As well as supporting existing social enterprises, we hope to encourage new ones, bringing more people into employment, growing our economy while contributing to the social good.

‘The strategy is ambitious, particularly given the current economic climate, but it’s important that we look at diversifying our business base to provide a broad range of good, local employers. This is a positive step towards supporting a sector which provides such great benefits in our area.’

The development of the new strategy was led by the Third Sector Interface, Barbara Hastings, with representatives from the sector. Ms Hastings said: “This investment provides the opportunity to facilitate much greater and sustainable growth.

“It is both ambitious and optimistic but partners believe the social enterprise sector has huge potential to deliver sustainable services, jobs, social value and economic impact.’

Encourage

The plan will particularly encourage new social enterprises and has already identified a number of potential areas for growth including, health and social care, arts and creative industries, sport and leisure, tourism and heritage, education and training, and the environment and recycling.

The council’s cabinet also agreed a £250,000 fund would be used to support the work of Team North Ayrshire to encourage early stage growth, including incubation facilities.