Welfare to Work Conference 10 th July 2012

Zoe Sellers and John Belli Business Development Directors

What is Accession Social Enterprise?

Businesses Horticulture Print & design Community shop Catering Arts & crafts Digital archiving Social enterprise consultancy Clinical consultancy

Underlying principles Business model Only sell if we have high-quality products Traditional ‘support into employment’ route not worked Out of the learning disability and mental health ‘ghettos’ Sense of purpose & high expectations

Key aims To focus on customer service that champions quality of products and services Working with partners to expand routes into employment through social enterprise

Opportunities for most marginalised: long term mental health issues moderate-severe learning disabilities physical disabilities those on the autistic spectrum Supporting projects to transform into social enterprises Encouraging a social enterprise hub in West London Key aims

First steps Auditing Social Service and NHS projects Assessing viability Premises, equipment and staffing needs identified Product quality, design, markets, marketing, production Service User Involvement Key messages, briefing & communication

Butterfly House at Brent Lodge Park

Capacity of social enterprises Partnership networks Procurement In-kind funding Business cases & invest to save

Social value & public sector savings First & foremost a business ‘Right to Provide’ arrangements Modernisation of service provision Employment route

Private sector partnership In-kind support Sponsorship Offering employment pathways Contracts

Managing risk Essentially no different to any other business Reassuring ‘parent organisations’ Being clear about scope and role Negotiating partner arrangements on a case-by-case basis

Questions?