Our members
Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network has members drawn from a wide variety of enterprises including:
Social Enterprises | Support Agencies | Downloadable Information Pack
Social Enterprises
Caring Christmas Trees
Caring Christmas Trees (CCT) is a web based Christmas tree retail operation with profits going to the local charity running it. The Christmas trees are bought on-line with customers choosing their size of tree, which collection point they want it from, and paying by credit card. The operation has received widespread acclaim and support from customers, local authorities, politicians, and the fundraising profession.
Established in 2005 by Bethany Christian Trust, Caring Christmas Trees has already made a positive difference by using the surpluses generated to operate Bethany’s winter Care Shelter in Edinburgh, providing food, advice and a safe place to sleep for people who would otherwise be rough sleeping.
Initially based in Edinburgh we have branched out as a social franchise, working with Impact Arts in Glasgow, Kibble in Paisley, Gowrie Care in Dundee & Perth, the Jericho Road project in London and Bethany in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Fife.
The Social Enterprise Academy
The Social Enterprise Academy was set up in 2004 as a responsive social business with the capacity to tailor learning and development for people working in, or towards, a leadership role in the social economy.
At the Academy we believe passionately in the power of learning to deliver personal, organisational, and sector growth. Learning with us will enable you to reflect on your day-to-day roles and responsibilities, giving you the tools and self-belief to tackle challenges as they arise.The Academy’s unique style of learning is available to all whatever your budget and we are proud to be able to deliver leadership, enterprise, and social impact programmes directly to your community throughout Scotland.
Edinburgh Cyrenians - Cyrenians Farm
The Farm was first established in 1972 as a therapeutic resource for homeless young people housed on-site. It is now recognised that the needs of residents and others in need are best served by Cyrenians Farm being a thriving social enterprise, generating income for reinvestment and opportunities for personal development and work-related training: even for real jobs if it becomes successful enough.
The markets for Cyrenians Farm are:
· the public’s growing hunger for local, organic food and interest in growing and consuming good food
· the need of large commercial companies to motivate and develop their workforce and to demonstrate CSR
· government’s need to (a) combat deep-seated youth unemployment and disaffection (b) foster changes in eating and food production
The Good Food in Tackling Homelessness programme, developed and operated by the Edinburgh Cyrenians, is designed to help individuals with experience of homelessness improve their health through positive nutrition.
The programme is comprised of the FareShare enterprise (re-distribution of surplus food to homelessness agencies, up to 8 tonnes delivered each week around the capital and in West Lothian).
’Cooking at Home’ classes (giving people essential skills in cooking and teaching them about healthy eating), and a range of networking activities which promote healthy eating policy and practice, locally and nationally (including an annual citywide Food Forum).
Additionally, Cyrenians Organics Recycling Enterprise (CORE) provides a professional and competitive food waste recycling service to composting for businesses and large organisations in the Lothians, Fife and Perthshire.
CORE aims to create jobs, training opportunities for disadvantaged people affected by or with a background of homelessness. Core seeks to stay competitive in an ever changing market place, to value its customers and to become and remain self-financing.
Centre of Health and Wellbeing
The Centre of Health and Wellbeing (CHWB) is a social enterprise company, offering health and wellbeing outreach services to the business community (“clients”). CHWB can offer services by attending corporate events, conferences or away days. Alternatively, we are able to prepare and run bespoke programmes of health and wellbeing activities based around your corporate image.
Clients can design their own bespoke service and choose any of the options below;
·lifestyle assessments - to include diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure checks and healthy living questionnaire
·access to a wide range motivational and stress relieving workshops (such as laughter therapy and Yoga )
· healthy nutritional advice and exercise guidance, accessing low GI bread, and healthy eating snacks
· access to relaxation and complementary therapists (Reflexology, Indian head and neck massage, Reiki and Shiatsu)
As a social enterprise company, CHWB profits are reinvested directly into the local community for the benefit of people who would otherwise not be able to afford to pay for health and wellbeing services. Bespoke programmes of health improvement are offered to both patients and carers, where appropriate, thereby allowing them to play an active role in their own healthcare.
CHWB aims to improve the general health of everyone in the community, but is initially targeting those with long-term conditions such as: diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, respiratory conditions, epilepsy, depression and obesity. CHWB will also provide both anticipatory care and secondary prevention. In the longer term we hope to assist with the establishment of a social enterprise model of healthcare that can then be replicated across Scotland and the UK.
If you want to hear more about what we do or want to work with us, please contact Lubna Kerr on lubnakerr@talk21.com
The Melting Pot
www.themeltingpotedinburgh.com
The Melting Pot is a creative and vibrant community where ethical and socially innovative initiatives collaborate, grow and create social change. The Melting Pot supports people with good ideas for a better world by offering affordable, accessible and attractive work, meeting and events spaces right in the heart of Edinburgh.
Through joining The Melting Pot our members access a shared, fully serviced workspace in the centre of Edinburgh, at a fraction of the cost of a traditional office. They share their skills, knowledge, contacts and ideas and gain motivation and inspiration from our diverse community of like-minded people.
The Melting Pot also provides large, light and friendly event and meeting spaces for public use. Our events spaces can be used for away days, conferences, workshops, launches, talks, training seminars, staff meetings and parties. Located two minutes from Waverley Station, we have a low-carbon ethos, we’re fully accessible, and we have great food which doesn’t cost the earth!
Out of the Blue
From its inception in 1994 Out of the Blue’s (OOTB) mission has been to provide opportunities for artists and other people who often face barriers to creativity, to meet, work, participate, enjoy themselves, learn and develop skills and knowledge. OOTB has established a reputation as an independent, dynamic and innovative cultural social enterprise. OOTB is one of Scotland’s leading community, cultural and arts development organisations.
OOTB is a major part of the infrastructure in Edinburgh’s creative economy providing:
· studio work space
· exhibition space
· workshop space
· performance space
· marketplaces for distribution of creative products
· promotion and production of cultural and creative projects
· events to create a climate of cultural opportunity
· Advice and support to other cultural space generator organisations
Since the need for an artist’s hub to support emerging artists was identified in 1994, OOTB have successfully established space and support to hundreds of artists.
Having now purchased and established a secure asset at the Drill Hall, OOTB is utilising this and other leased space to accommodate artists in Edinburgh. In a city where property prices mitigate against artists being able to find studio space, we now have developed studio accommodation for over 100 artists and organisations from the creative industries, with over 200 people on our waiting list.
The Graphics Company
The Graphics Company is a workers’ co-operative with an open and ethical approach to print and web design for not-for-profit organisations.
We specialise in visual identities and branding, logos, annual reports, websites, toolkits, leaflets, exhibition, photography and much more. We have a good understanding of the voluntary and public sectors and are familiar with the issues that relate to them, including limited budgets and big ambitions. Located in the centre of Edinburgh we work with many local and national organisations.
The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed (Garvald community Enterprises Ltd) established in 1989 is a charitable organisation that helps young people with learning disabilities learn skills in a real work environment and supports them to move into mainstream, paid employment.
We are a social enterprise and run a celebrated vegetarian café, organic bakery, organic tofu manufacturing unit and conference / meeting facilities all from our premises at 19 St Leonards Lane in Edinburgh.
Over the past two years the organisation , in response to changes in ESF grants, has focused on developing the business approach in our work to move towards becoming a sustainable social business.
Crescent Kitchen
Crescent Kitchen is a social enterprise launched in 2010 and is managed by The Broomhouse Centre a Registered Scottish Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Crescent Kitchen is based in the South West of Edinburgh and provides:
· a café service to the local community and the other centre projects
· training opportunities in catering to vulnerable adults with learning difficulties and mental health issues, prisoners, long-term unemployed and students
· food and health courses to local groups and organisations
· a team building day to public and private sector organisations
· special events for local groups and the wider community
· an outside catering service to Edinburgh and the surrounding areas
All profits raised from Crescent Kitchen are reinvested back into The Broomhouse Centre. If you are interested in any of our services or would like more information please contact:
Crescent Kitchen, The Broomhouse Centre,
79/89 Broomhouse Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 3RH
With People Community Interest Company
We provide web site design and hosting, graphic design, e-communication services and accessibility consultancy.
With People provide a transcription service providing alternative formats such as Braille, audio and large print to help you communicate with all your customers.
With People Community Interest Company is an Edinburgh based social firm specialising in marketing for social enterprises, charities, small and start up businesses.
With People are holders of the Social Enterprise Mark
The work of the business provides employment and volunteering opportunities for disabled people.
Suite 8
Portland Business Centre
81 - 85 Portland Street
Edinburgh
EH6 4AY
Tel: 0131 5100 204
info@withpeople.co.uk
Re-Union Canal Boats
Re-Union is a social enterprise based at Edinburgh Quay, in the heart of Edinburgh. Our wide beam boat was fitted out by volunteers and offers a unique space for up to 35 people which can be used for corporate events, voluntary groups or private functions.
Our boat gently glides along the Union Canal, a unique wildlife corridor connecting the heart of the city with the outlying countryside and country parks of Mid and West Lothian. This unique venue combined with the peace and tranquillity of the canal is a perfect place to get away from it all.
The boat is a warm and cosy fully accessible space with fitted kitchen, toilet - and central heating - perfect for any time of the year. Our qualified Skipper and fully trained volunteer crew will welcome you on board and ensure your safety.
You even get a chance to steer the boat!!!
Profits raised from this activity go towards creating volunteering and training opportunities, identifying and developing projects to engage with the communities of West Edinburgh and creating opportunities for people to access the Union Canal.
Re-Union works with canal side communities and has supported planting an orchard at Wester Hailes, is working in partnership on a Healthy Eating Garden, provides canoe building courses and is supporting the development of a local canoe club. We also co-ordinate the Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race.
For further information please contact manager@re-union.org.uk or telephone 0131 453 4617
The Bike Station
The Bike Station is a community project that accepts donated bikes from members of the public and recycles them for use by priority groups of people such as the long term
unemployed, those who have been homeless and those with mental health problems. A proportion of renovated bikes are sold to raise funds.
The Bike Station also runs training sessions for volunteers and members of the public and is open to the public for the hire of work stands and tools for people wishing to work on their own bikes.
REQUIPIT
REQUIPIT was originally founded 5 years ago to refurbish and resell used computers to raise funds for the work of Bethany Christian Trust. Since its creation, this social enterprise has developed significantly and in April 2008, it merged with Bethany’s electrical workshop creating a new social enterprise which now refurbishes and resells all kinds of domestic appliances. As well as all profits generated by REQUIPIT being used to support homeless people through Bethany, there are also many social and environmental benefits resulting from the project.
· REQUIPIT makes good quality white goods available at low cost through social furniture projects to those who may have been homeless or who struggle to pay high street prices.
· The workshop also offers vulnerable people valuable employment opportunities and training;
· Our apprentices are trained in all aspects of domestic appliance repair.
· The business is licensed by SEPA to work on waste electrical and electronic equipment and is registered to safely dispose of potentially ozone-depleting appliances.
REQUIPIT is helping to decreasing landfill, and reducing waste in a safe, environmentally-friendly way.
The social enterprise is a wholesale white good supplier to charity shop chains such as British Heart Foundation, Kidney Research UK, the Red Cross and numerous hospice association shops (St Giles Hospice, St David’s Hospice, Thames Hospice, St Richard’s Hospice), as well as Bethany’s own shops. REQUIPIT also works with major white goods manufacturers including Beko, LEC and Amica.
Fresh Start
Fresh Start’s key objective is to provide services which support the resettlement of people who have been homeless.
Fresh Start’s PAT service (Portable Appliance Testing) is a commercial operation that creates and funds intermediate employment placements for unemployed people who have experienced homelessness.
The placements are paid roles in a real work environment: the trainees contribute to the delivery of our business and services, in return the trainees gain experience and accredited training that will help them access mainstream employment.
Health in Mind
Our principle purpose is to promote the health and well being of people who experience mental health difficulties. We do this by providing an extensive range of services and by working in partnership with others.
Services include:
· Providing services for people with mental health difficulties
· Sponsoring and acting as host to small and/or emerging groups
· Seeking out opportunities for developing creative and innovative new services
· Involving users and carers across our activities
· Convening the Edinburgh Mental Health Forum of voluntary mental health projects
· Seeking to undertake user-led research so as to inform policy and practice
· Providing information, advice and practice development seminars
· Contributing to policy and planning
· Incorporating equal opportunities and positive action in all we do
Forth Sector
Forth Sector, one of Scotland’s leading social enterprises, has a portfolio of five commercial businesses. The businesses compete in a range of industries including commercial laundry, retail, soap products manufacture, machine embroidery, the hospitality sector and social enterprise consultancy.
The Soap Co
The Soap Co Edinburgh – this company hand-makes and sells soap and toiletries via their shop in The Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh. The company also offers corporate gifts and has a wholesale range targeting guest houses, small hotels and restaurants.
Six Mary’s Place Guest House
Located in Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, Six Mary’s Place is an award-winning guest house. The guesthouse also has meeting rooms, which are ideal for small business meetings and training sessions.
Parkview Laundry
Parkview Laundry, based in Peffer Industrial Estate, specialise in laundering bed linen, table linen, workwear, sports kits, and duvets. Deliveries and collections all over Edinburghand the Lothians
Edinburgh Embroidery Services
Edinburgh Embroidery, also based in Craigmillar, specialise in embroidery of workwear, from T-shirts and sweat shirts to fleeces and jackets. They also embroider school uniforms and corporate gifts (bags, hats and baseball caps).
Forth Sector Development
Forth Sector Development (FSD) builds on our vast experience of starting and running social enterprises. As a consultancy to other emerging or existing social enterprises, FSD helps with business planning, funding applications, marketing and business development.
Pass IT On
Pass IT On collects donated computer equipment, adapts it and gives it to people with disabilities who live within the EH postcode area.
Donated computer hardware and software can be adapted to suit the individual skills and needs of people with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities. These bespoke systems may enable them to;
· Communicate more effectively with those around them
· Write personal letters independently
· Develop their literacy / numeracy
· Play games
· Access the internet and e-mail
· Become involved in voluntary work
· Gain access to education or the workplace
Social Enterprise Support Agencies
Senscot
Senscot’s role is to recognise the contribution of individual social entrepreneurs and social enterprises in tackling injustice and to support them and their endeavours.
Senscot is active in 3 key areas:
Connecting and informing social entrepreneurs
• Working assumption is that there are around 3,000 social enterprises in Scotland and a wide range of social entrepreneurs across all sectors. Senscot continually devise new ways of finding and connecting more people.
• Circulation of the weekly Bulletin runs at some 3,600 recipients.
Developing the Sector
• In response to dialogue with the network, Senscot works with others to incubate and spin out new services – as with Scotland UnLtd, DTA Scotland, the Social Enterprise Academy and Firstport.
• Seeks to influence national and regional policies for social entrepreneurs and their work through participation in relevant events and working groups.
• Seeks to raise awareness of the contribution of social enterprise to economic activity, social inclusion and general social well-being through public speaking and publications.
Facilitating Networks
•To encourage and facilitate meetings of social entrepreneurs around the country – with particular focus on the support of Local Social Enterprise Networks (LSENs)
• Through the bulletin and other activities Senscot encourages social entrepreneurs to support each other by working together and sharing knowledge and expertise, for mutual benefit.
Firstport
Firstport is a registered charity developing and supporting new and emerging social
entrepreneurs throughout Scotland.
Do you have a passion to develop a new social enterprise? Do you want to establish a business with high social as well as business aims?
If so we can help you... define your vision, develop a clear action plan, get advice on your business idea, find encouragement and support to deliver change.
Other facts about Firstport
• We manage the Scotland UnLtd awards programme, distributing awards to individual social entrepreneurs throughout Scotland. The main awards programme consists of level one awards of up to £5000, made to individual social
entrepreneurs. This programme operates throughout the year. Level two awards of
up to £20,000, these awards are made on an annual basis. For further information call 0131 226 7333.
• We are joint partners with Scottish Business in the Community on a programme
called EVOLVE - matching expertise from the private sector to social enterprise
through a series of facilitated events.
• We work to identify and support new social entrepreneurs working with agents across Scotland.
• We are funded by the Scottish Executive as part of their Social Enterprise Action
Plan. This plan also identifies a new fund supporting individuals at an early stage
of business development - the Social Entrepreneurs Fund will be managed by
Firstport.
Aspire to Enterprise
Aspire to enterprise is a new programme providing a range of Business Support
Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland.
The programme offers access to development support to organisations with the drive and potential to increase their trading and become more sustainable social enterprises.
If you are successful in accessing the programme you will receive a business health check, tailored to social enterprise development. You may then qualify to benefit from a programme of support to further develop the trading capacity of your organisation or benefit from a range of seminars designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity for future development.
Aspire to enterprise is funded by the Scottish Government and managed and delivered by a consortium of established, experienced social enterprise business development companies and key national bodies developing social enterprises.
Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition
The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is the national collective campaigning voice
for social enterprise in Scotland. It brings together supporters of social enterprise and represents the sector to politicians, policy makers and opinion formers.
The Coalition has successfully campaigned for a distinct government strategy for social enterprise which recognises it as a business model. It has also produced a manifesto for social enterprise and used it to secure cross-party political support for the sector.
The Coalition runs seminars, policy forums and brings the sector together through its annual S2S social enterprise trade fair - the biggest dedicated social enterprise event in Scotland.
Edinburgh Business Development
Edinburgh Business Development (EBD) is a social enterprise with enterprise trust status that delivers a number of local, national and European projects and contracts.
An active member of the Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and uses its profits to support its wider social inclusion, economic development and regeneration work.
EBD provides tailored business development advice, support, consultancy and training to aspiring and emerging social enterprises. EBD offers a wide range of business support services, with expertise in areas such as:
• Strategic and business planning
• Market research and feasibility studies
• Sales and marketing
• Financial planning and fundraising
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Management and HR
• Consultancy and training
Social Enterprise Edinburgh
Social Enterprise Edinburgh (SEE) provides free support to developing social
enterprises in the capital.
SEE is run by the Edinburgh Social Economy Partnership and delivered
by training and consultancy specialists Forth Sector Development and
Edinburgh Business Development.
Forth Sector Development is part of one of the most well-established
social enterprises in Edinburgh, Forth Sector.
Pilotlight
Pilotlight Scotland get teams of 4 senior business people from big companies (like Scottish Power, BT, HBOS, the Student Loans Company, and many others) to work with small charities and social enterprises. Charities get this help absolutely free!
Meetings are held each month for around 12 to 18 months. We will help charities produce a business plan and can also support them in looking at things like human resources, marketing and planning for the future.
Joining the Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network is simple and best of all it's free!
Simply get in touch with us to find out the details for our next meeting and come along!
Contact us
Members are drawn from social enterprises who operate or are based in the City of Edinburgh.
If you're not sure if you're eligible please feel free to contact us or one of our members.
Social Enterprise
Keeping up to date
If you want to keep up to date with what's happening in the Social Enterprise arena in Scotland don't forget to sign up to the Senscot Bulletin