Social Firms UK

This publication aims to inform and inspire readers interested in running social enterprises. It includes: - a wide variety of examples; - facts and figures about their businesses and social impact; - comments from business people, politicians and other social enterprise 'champions'; - some broader explanations dealing with law and finance.

This report looks at the market for social enterprises interested in providing health and socialcare, e.g. converting to a social enterprise and business planning. (40 pages)

Advice on writing a business plan can be found at the Business Link website at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073869162

The Association of Disabled Professionals has written and produced a plain English Resource Guide, Directory of Support and Quick Reference Guide to support disabled people who want to set up in business. It is intended that the guide will also be used by business advisers within mainstream organisations. As well as ensuring that key issues are covered, such as tax, funding, mentoring and different types of business opportunity, it also includes stories from disabled entrepreneurs and their experiences of starting up in business. The guide is available in a number of formats including large print, braille, easy read and electronic format. To order a copy, email adp.admin@ntlworld.com or visit www.adp.org.uk

As an established social enterprise, Forth Sector was asked to prepare this guide to help other organisations and individuals preparing to set one up. In their forward, they write, "Starting a social enterprise can be challenging, rewarding, stimulating and scary. There is already a range of business planning guides and templates out there but very few can tell you how to set up a social enterprise. We've used our own experience, and the experience of others in running businesses with equal financial, social and environmental aims to map out a route for you. We hope that you will benefit from our experience, avoid the pitfalls and achieve your goal to establish a successful social enterprise. To download this PDF visit http://www.forthsectordevelopment.org.uk/pages/resources.html

Understanding the roles, responsibilities and legal status of board members.

Buying businesses and turning them into Social Firms; lessons for Scotland. Drawing on experiences from across the UK, Europe and Australia, this paper sets out a model for encouraging business acquisition as a means of starting Social Firms.