Successful community enterprise: the development trust approach

1
Successful community enterprisethe development
trust approach

• Steve Clare
• Assistant Director (South)
• Development Trusts Association
• www.dta.org.uk

2
Development Trusts the principles
Engaged in the economic, environmental and social
regeneration of a defined area Independent,
aiming for self-sufficiency, and not for private
profit Community based, owned and
managed Actively involved in partnerships and
alliances between the community, voluntary,
private and public sectors
3
The membership
341 members plus 44 emerging trusts England,
Scotland Wales Assets of 340 million Revenue
of 210 million pa Earned income of 75 million
pa 5,000 staff and 10,000 volunteers No typical
member - shared approach, belief in our
communities and a commitment to change
4
Fabulous beasts
business start ups, managed workspace,
recycling, environmental improvements, management
of public space, micro credit, advice and debt
counselling, welfare advice, energy efficiency
advice, family support, child care services,
community grants schemes, affordable housing,
volunteering, job training, supplementary
education, youth work, community safety,
transport schemes, festivals and arts activities,
sports and leisure, community cafes and
restaurants, food markets, healthy living
schemes. and much, much more.
5
Community Enterprise

• Seeks to benefit a particular geographical area
• Run by people from the community
• Like any other business products or services
  sold to make a surplus
• Surplus reinvested into the community for social
  benefit
• Enterprise is a means to an end

6
Seven Key Issues to Assess
How does the idea fit with the partnerships
vision, mission and aims? Are the people
working on the idea passionate about it and do
they have the right skills? Have you done your
market research? Is there a need for the product
or service? Is there tough competition? How
much profit can you make from your idea? The
impact on the rest of the organisation?
7
Logical Levels

Purpose
Values Beliefs
Capabilities
Behaviour
Environment