Engaging with Business Raymond Kinsella Business Engagement Manager

Transforming Local Infrastructure Funding from the Office for Civil Society Delivered by BIG Fund Local collaboration and consolidation Redesign and integration of services Better links with local businesses Sustainability

Partners Merton Voluntary Service Council Volunteer Centre Merton Merton Unity Network Merton Chamber of Commerce

Objective A greater investment from the private sector Time Skills Money Knowledge Other resources

Awareness Raising face to face engagement website newsletters Town Centre Forums street walking engagement of key stakeholders from the public and voluntary sector network

“ Merton’s Businesses 7,507 businesses in Merton 6115 of them employ less than 5 people (81.5%) 1190 employ between people (15.9%) 178 employ between 50 – 249 people (2.4%) 24 employ more than 250 people (0.3%)

How are businesses giving? Event sponsorship Volunteering Expertise Fund raising Mentoring Individual sponsorship matched by business Loan of vehicles/equipment Work experience or Apprenticeships Cash donations Mostly ad hoc and not strategic

Initial Findings Why are businesses giving: 1.Staff or owners personal experiences 2.Social conscience 3.Competitors involved 4.Staff development 5.Part of business strategy 6.Voluntary sector part of customer base 7.PR 8.Luck

Barriers to Local Giving Lack of knowledge around local needs Lack of fit to business needs and interest Lack of coherent local offer Time/money Lack of understanding of business benefits Bureaucracy Lack of professional approach NOISE!!!!

What do we need? Relationships with business A Merton approach and identity An OFFER that is simple, compelling, identifies features and benefits and anticipates needs A brand A website A campaign On-going management of relationships with businesses