How do small charities set up a trading subsidiary?

Looking to set up a trading subsidiary?  Take a look at this article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/jan/27/charity-trading-subsidiary-advice

(Source:  Guardian Professional Network)

VILLAGE SOS NATIONAL CONFERENCE - BOOK NOW!

Monday 27th February
Burlington House Hotel, Birmingham
9.30am - 17.30pm

This looks to be a really interesting conference, with a packed agenda.  The conference is essential for anyone with an interest in rural communities and community enterprise. 

For more details, and to book a free place go to: www.villagesos.org.uk

Orange Launches £200,000 'Different Business' Competition

Funded by telecoms provider Orange, the newly-launched Orange Different Business Competition has been set up to help entrepreneurs make their 'different' business idea come to fruition.

Entrants may have an idea for a new product or service, or just a fresh business approach that makes them stand out in the marketplace. The judges, who include some of the UK's most successful business leaders, are looking for 'the brightest and freshest ideas'; in particular:

• a business or project that is different;
• a different approach to running a business;
• a robust business model;
• a clear strategy for the project/business;
• evidence of a market for the project/business;
• a pitch that demonstrates the applicant has the necessary skills to succeed; and
• an idea that is worth funding and could be the UK's next 'different' business.

The following support package comprises advice and investment worth £200,000 delivered over the course of one year to help the business on the road to success:

• Business planning advice and mentoring from Kingston Smith.
• Mobile communications devices and plans from Orange.
• Marketing consultancy from Publicis Chemistry.
• Legal advice from Lewis Silkin.
• Investment capital.

The advisory support and investment capital can be used to help the winner plan and commence operations for their new business.

Only one entry per person can be submitted. Entry is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 and over at the time of entry, whose actual or proposed business trading address is in the United Kingdom.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on 31 March 2012.

http://www.orange.co.uk/

(Source: Grantfinder)

Arts And Business Cymru Awards 2012

Arts And Business Cymru Awards 2012

The best creative partnerships in Wales will be recognised in the 19th annual Arts & Business Cymru Awards, which opened to nominations today.

The Awards, which encourage, acknowledge and celebrate exemplary partnerships between the private sector and the arts, reflect the broad range of work undertaken by Arts & Business Cymru across the country.

In addition to 10 established categories, this year the organiser is recognising the role that individuals play in supporting the arts with a Philanthropy Award. The remaining categories are each sponsored by a key Welsh organisation. They are as follows:

• Arts, Business & Brand Identity.
• Arts, Business & the Community.
• Arts, Business & Young People.
• Arts & Small Business.
• Arts, Business & the Environment.
• Arts, Business & Employees.
• Arts, Business & Long Term Support.
• Business Adviser of the Year.
• The Admiral Business of the Year Award.
• The Legal & General Arts Award.

The awards for business participants are non-financial. The Legal & General Arts Award for is a cash prize of £2,500 for the arts organisation that has worked most creatively in a business partnership.

The Arts & Business Cymru Awards Ceremony will take place at Wales Millennium Centre on Thursday 14 June 2012.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is 1 March 2012.

http://artsandbusiness.org.uk/

(Source: Grantfinder) 

WCVA TRADING COURSE DATE

Go to:
http://www.wcva.org.uk/news/dsp_news.cfm?newsid=1766

for more information

2012- International Year of the Co-operative

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ecSMtMurwsI

Charity Commission publishes new risk framework

The Charity Commission, the regulator for charities in England and Wales, has today published its new Risk Framework together with information on how the framework will be applied. 

The Framework explains to trustees, charity advisors and the wider public the Commission’s approach to regulation and how it assesses risks affecting charities, the wider charity sector, and public confidence.


http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Library/risk_framework.pdf


(Source:  Charity Commission)

New Law for Credit Unions

Credit Unions can now change their rules in order to develop and provide services:

http://abcul.coop/media-and-research/news/view/208

(Source: Association of British Credit Unions limited)

New report shows co-operatives contribution to the economy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16482076

A link to the report will be posted here as soon as possible.

Social Enterprise - paving the way forward for rural communities

This is an interesting article about rural communities can bring about change, shown effectively through the Village SOS programme, with some interesting statistics.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2011/dec/14/social-enterprise-transform-rural-life.

Newtown CIC through to finals of Local Business Accelerator competition

The Cwm Harry Food Company, based in Newtown, and operating as a Community Interest Company is one of six regional finalists in the Local Business Accelerator competition.  The competition which was launched in October 2011, aims to accelerate the success of a local chosen business with top professional advice from business mentors, along with advertising in the County Times.

The winner will be chosen after a 'Dragon's Den' style pitch to a panel of Judges in Welshpool, later this month.  The other regional finalists are Sanderson's Eco Fuel, Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre, Storm - the Internet Phone Company, Steven Flaherty Photography and Ecoframes.

(Source:  County Times, 6-1-12)

Can Do Funding - get it while you can!

! IT’S FIRST COME FIRST SERVED WITH THIS SCHEME – DON’T MISS OUT – CALL TODAY !

Groups wishing to apply will go through a funding health check to reduce the paperwork previously associated with the scheme.  Nearly 50 have been undertaken to date!

Up to £2000 will be available for groups supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.  For example, a grant could be used for sports equipment to encourage healthy lifestyles, or display boards for a community building.  Groups will also be expected to find match funding of 33%.  Funding must be spent by 1^st March 2012.

For more information:

Go to:              www.pavo.org.uk

Call the:           PAVO Helpdesk on 0845 009 3288

E-mail:              info@pavo.org.uk