1. Collaboration for Success Mark Ellerby

2. In difficult economic times businesses often revert to more insular, self contained focus on their products and or services often looking to direct competition as their key action.

3. This session will give insight into one of the key strengths of social enterprise 'working together' and explore how collaboration can provide even greater trading opportunities.

4. CREATING NETWORKS

5. Collaborative Ideas Think Venue Social Enterprise Mentor Action for Blind People University

6. WHO DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH? Informal Formal Outside Sector Inside Sector

7. Think Venue Origins for the group were very simple Concept closed for a refit - found a lack of ethical referral venues Did Third Sector conference venues work together…did we even know who was out there? Birmingham City Council reviewing procurement

8. Formation of the group The idea – a network of conference venues (January 2009) Shared objectives and potential benefits Developed a Steering Group Secured small funding to map venues Formed a Cooperative Consortia Board established (May 2010)

9. Outcomes Secured funding from Be Birmingham Social Enterprise Fund Launch event at Town Hall Venue Finding Website 80+ venues Interest from outside the Birmingham area Transfer of spend from Private to Think Venue members by BCC

10. BCC spend with Think Venue Members (12 months)

11. Website Income to Venues (July-mid September) Estimated £50,000 based on £250 per booking

12. Venue Membership Associate Memberships Elected Board via AGM Benefits The Network ProcurersSuppliersInfluence Marketing Spin offsPartnershipsExpertise Support Profit Coop Social Enterprise Charities Education Arts & Sport Health Faith Groups Communities

14. What you need See the potential Need to have a lead Need enthusiasm Need time to invest Need to be persuasive

15. Issues and Barriers Bigger Picture is all Economy It can get complex Funding Fear Organization Board People drop out

16. Who do you want in your network? What are you looking for in a network partner? can What can you offer a network partner?

17. Establishing Connections

18. SEWMI’SEFSB SEC

19. Finding Your Network I’SE Market Makers I’SE Shop for Change SEWM Membership SEWM BuySE Twitter Lists Linked In Social Enterprise Mentor BRAP Co-op

20. Collaboration for Success Mark Ellerby