Business Connector : Making a Difference in Wiltshire Geraldine McKibbin March 2013

2 Business in the Community (BITC)  Business in the Community are a business-led charity, focused on promoting responsible business practice  There are over 850 companies members of BITC, with 10,700 engaged globally  Members help to transform communities by tackling key social and environmental issues  The BITC vision is ‘for every business to act responsibility and so ensure a sustainable future for all’

3 On our doorstep today :  22% of yr olds in England have numeracy levels at or below those expected of 11yr olds  1,000,000 of the 2.68m UK unemployed are yr olds who are not in employment, education or training.  1 in 6 children live in households where nobody works  50% of employees in the UK feel they are not as productive as they would be.  Social Value Act and Welfare reforms will proved added pressure

4 A number of key programmes run by BITC Business Connector Programme  Senior business people, seconded from member companies, to tackle local issues.  Focus is on  Education  Employment  Enterprise  Understand local issues and needs/challenges  Connect with local companies to find solutions – resource, skills, time The Prince’s Rural Action Programme Help make positive difference in rural communities to help sustain our countryside Support a thriving rural economy All businesses to understand impact on rural communities and recognise what it can contribute is one of the other BITC programmes

5 My area of focus in North Wiltshire  Support the capacity build of the voluntary sector  Understand the issues, challenges and needs of the local community and hindrances to growth/aspirations.  Identify and support enterprise opportunities ‘business to business’,  encouraging mutual networking that will benefit local business as well as local communities  Ensuring, wherever possible, an element of sustainability and tangible legacy  North Wiltshire, excluding Swindon.

6 How can I help you? Via my network of contacts Find mentors, Business skills – planning, IT, marketing, physical equipment Volunteer teams for specific activities Support your clients – interviews, CV preparation, Signposting

7 EXAMPLES  Job interview skills day for young unemployed  Business planning mentoring for NEA scheme  Business/social enterprise networking event  CSR networking breakfast promoting homeless charity  Posters produced for cooperatives conference  Business Class launched

8 CONTACT DETAILS Geraldine McKibbin Find out more:

9 Responsible businesses do better New business opportunities Direct financial impact Engaged employees and future Workforce Improved operational effectiveness Stronger organisational growth Better risk management Enhanced brand reputation

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