Cameron's 'big society' undermined by cuts and distrust, says study
The Guardian highlights a study by a thinktank which shows that savage cuts to grassroots voluntary groups and a collapse in trust means that the prime minister's flagship project is at risk. Despite ministerial promises, charities and social enterprises have been sidelined in the market for government contracts, such as the work programme, which the Civil Exchange report says has "an implicit bias towards large, private sector businesses".
'Market information is vital to winning new business'
On 15 March, the Department of Health issued a paper on top tips for establishing a healthcare social enterprise. It was a reflection following the establishment of more than 40 social enterprises providing around 10% of community services across the country, reports the Local Government Chronicle.
A share of one million a year on offer for north-west social enterprises
A recruitment drive begins this week to unearth the North West's most promising social entrepreneurs – with a share of £1m a year to help them change thousands of people's lives, reports Click Liverpool. The Lloyds Banking Group social entrepreneurs programme has been made possible thanks to a major funding commitment from Lloyds Banking Group and additional investment from Nominet Trust.
Social Enterprise Academy brings together theory and practice in business world
With the help of three students, University of California, Los Angeles economics professor Andrew Atkeson spent last autumn developing the Social Enterprise Academy, a two-quarter course in which students act as consultants for companies with philanthropic aims, reports the University's newspaper the Daily Bruin.
Social enterprises should run hawker centres of the future: Panel
In Singapore, a government-appointed hawker centre consultation panel has recommended social enterprises run hawker centres of the future, with aims of giving the disadvantaged jobs, and providing the community with affordable food. Some social enterprises in the food industry have already taken the first step to offer jobs to the disadvantaged, reports Today Online.
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