Businesses that exist to support the community rather than for profit are making a significant contribution to Brighton & Hove’s economy, according to a new survey.
On Thursday, 29 March, the council’s Policy & Resources Committee will be asked to agree further support for the city's long history of social enterprise through the implementation of a city-wide strategy.
Since the first co-operative retail shop in the country opened in Brighton’s West Street in 1828,* the city has flourished with the positive influence of social entrepreneurs such as Dr William King, who produced the ‘Co-Operator’ journal and William Moon’s work supporting the blind.
Today over 170 years later, there are 110 social enterprise organisations in Brighton & Hove operating in the education, environment and community development areas among others. Collectively the city's social enterprises turn over an estimated £21 million a year, employ 1,262 people and provide opportunities for over 3,000 volunteers. A high proportion of their staff comes from the city's disadvantaged groups.
They include Magpie Recycling, The Wood Recycling Project and Care Co-ops, which have all been trading for 10 or more years.
Councillor Sue John, deputy chair of the Policy & Resources committee, said: “We want to maintain an atmosphere where social enterprise can flourish in Brighton & Hove. The city is already viewed as a market leader in developing social enterprise as part of economic growth and at our budget meeting we approved £50,000 from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive.”
The support package will include the provision of an on-line directory, networking opportunities, advice sessions, mentoring, and the bringing together of private sector companies with social enterprises for mutual benefit.
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Contact: Julie Harris, Brighton & Hove City Council, (01273) 291037
* Source: The Encyclopaedia of Brighton