New business will boost funding for borough community groups

Residents, community groups, charities and businesses in the Royal Borough will benefit from a new venture to provide fundraising advice and support and create new opportunities for people to get more involved with their community.

The new social enterprise company - to be set up by two members of staff, Jonathan Adams and Michael Beaven - will operate as a separate business, with a focus on maximising the amount of external funding raised for the benefit of the local community and the Council.

A first for the Royal Borough, and a natural addition to its Big Society initiatives, the employee-owned company will work with the Council, partners and community organisations. The new arrangements will also result in savings for council taxpayers over the next four years.

Cllr Christine Bateson, Cabinet Member for Planning and Partnerships, said: "Jonathan and Michael have worked tirelessly to attract funding for the council, local charities and community groups. However, recognising that more and more avenues for external funding are closed to councils, they want to set up their separate company so they can open up new ways of bringing money into the borough and support our community.

"This is an exciting venture which will be of great benefit across the borough."

The new company will work with both the Council and community groups to secure external funding, and will help businesses and community groups to bring about civic action projects.

Jonathan Adams commented: "We are thrilled that the Council has decided to support our proposal. We are confident that our community-based enterprise will benefit local residents, help voluntary groups find funding and strengthen the ties that bind our community together."

The new company was approved in principle by Cabinet on Monday 27 June and members will be given a more detailed report in August. It is likely to start operating within the next couple of months.

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