Third Sector and Social and Economic Regeneration

A major consultation exercise has been launched by the Treasury and Cabinet Office of the UK Government on the role of the Third Sector.

For details visit:

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/documents/public_spending_and_services/third_sector/pss_thirdsector_consultations.cfm

Responses by electronic or other means are invited and the results are to be published in Novemeber. This is part of the Comprehensive Spending Review so it's a really important chance to tell Government what they can be doing to encourage and facilitate a role for the Third Sector (charities, voluntary organisations, co-operatives and other social economy organisations)in regeneration. An opportunity not to be missed, I think.

Venture Capital For Social Enterprise

News has broken of a greater willingness by venture capitalists to provide finance for social enterprise. More news soon.

The launch of "breakthrough" is apparently today, 25th July

See:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2006/07/24/cnperm24.xml&DCMP=EMC-mcn_24072006

and

2006 Edition of "Keeping It Legal"

The Social Enterprise Coalition and Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors have published a new edition of the brochure "Keeping It Legal". This introductory guide to the various legal structures available for social enterprises costs £15 (or £7.50 for SEC members) from http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/Page.aspx?SP=1982 .

"Keeping It Legal" will be useful to people in the UK starting out, or thinking about renewing or developing structures. It gives an overview of the main choices and issues around unincorporated structures, companies (including CIC's), industrial and provident societies (IPS), and choices on stakeholder involvement and charitable status.

Banking Services for Credit Union Members

Certain large credit unions have arranged for banking services to be made available to their members through the Co-op Bank. It starts later this year. See
http://www.abcul.coop/page/news.cfm#302
for details.