Minister launches Assembly Social Enterprise Strategy
A social enterprise is a business that exists primarily for the benefit of the community, but is involved in some form of trading. Supporting such local enterprises is an important mechanism for tackling social exclusion – as well as being a key element in the Welsh Assembly Government’s economic development strategy.
Speaking about the strategy, the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to supporting the development of grass roots businesses.
"Social enterprises have an important role to play within our overall economic development strategy. These not-for-profit enterprises can also help to tackle social exclusion by creating jobs for those who have been out of work.
"And let’s not forget, these enterprises – which are by definition run by local people, for local people – can give people the confidence to play an active role in developing their communities" the Minister added.
The launch took place at Bloomfield House Community Centre in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, during which the Minister explained the aims of the strategy to representatives of the social enterprise sector.
Mrs Hart praised the centre as an example of a social enterprise in action. It was set up in May 2002 by the Narberth and District Community and Sport Association to provide leisure and education facilities for the local community.
The Social Enterprise Strategy will provide a framework within which social enterprises in Wales can flourish and develop. Among its aims are:
- to work to level the playing field so that social enterprises can compete effectively with mainstream businesses;
- to recognise that social enterprises have specific needs and to take these into account when developing policy in relevant areas;
- to ensure that timely and appropriate advice and support is available to those who wish to establish a social enterprise.
Notes:
A consultation document on the Social Enterprise Action Plan was issued in July 2003. The Strategy launched today [June 27] builds on this earlier work and has been developed in partnership with the Social Enterprise Joint Working Group.
The group includes:
- those who run social enterprise businesses
- members of the WDA
- voluntary sector representatives
- social enterprise sector representatives
Examples of social enterprises in Wales
Bloomfield House Community Centre, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Set up in May 2002, the centre provides local people with education and leisure facilities which are open to all, including people with disabilities. The project was completed this year [2005] and the centre is now home to several local groups and hosts many classes.
New 2 You, Caia Park, Wrexham
New 2 You is a community-run business that collects and then re-sells second hand furniture, non-electrical household items and toys at low cost for the local community. The business, established in November 2004, is based on the Caia Park Estate in Wrexham. It provides work for local people in many forms including furniture repair, delivery and shop work.
Candy Stripes Day Nursery, Cwmcelyn, Blaenau Gwent
This nursery is a joint project between Tredegar and Ebbw Vale and District Development Trusts. It is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, Working Links and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. The nursery provides much-needed, local childcare places for council employees and other members of the community.
Galeri, Caernarfon
Officially opened in March 2005, the Galeri project in Caernarfon was a major redevelopment project which now houses a theatre, rehearsal studios, art space, café bar and rooms for hire. It is also home to several community and social enterprises and is used by many local dance and dramatic groups.
June 27, 2005