London social enterprise schemes get boost from London Councils

A unique partnership to support social enterprises of all sizes across the capital has been awarded a £1.8 million funding boost by London Councils today (Wednesday).

Social enterprises are schemes set up to help improve the lives of people in a local area, with any profits being put back into improving the services they provide. Social enterprises can range from local recycling projects, credit unions, and art studios to the Big Issue and Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurants.

The London Councils Grants Committee has agreed to provide £450,000 a year to SETLL, a special partnership of five organisations with expertise in helping to develop and support all types of social enterprises.

There are around 5,000 social enterprises across London, and more than half of the capital's voluntary and community organisations also have trading arms to help raise to raise more funds.

The SETLL partnership is made up of Social Enterprise London, London Rebuilding Society, Training for Llfe, Development Trusts Association and School of Social Entrepreneurs. It is the first time all five have come together to work in partnership.

The partnership will provide social enterprises with advice and training around business, management, financial and legal issues. It will also help develop new projects and provide specific support to initiatives set up by black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people and women.

London Councils received seven applications for funding for projects to support and develop new and existing social enterprises, with the Grants Committee commissioning SETLL.

Chair of London Councils Grants Committee, Cllr Paul McCannah, said;

"Social enterprises are set up by local people, employ and train local people, and deliver services local people want.

"They can also help plug the gaps in services provided by public services and private companies to a local community. As a result they play a very important part in helping to improve the quality off life for Londoners.

"Having five organisations with a variety of expertise working in partnership can only benefit social enterprise schemes of all shapes and sizes across London to blossom and flourish."