Greens Back Bigger, Better, Bolder Social Enterprise
Thu., November 16, 2006. 11:57.
Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition's manifesto welcomed
Greens today welcomed the launch of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition's manifesto, arguing that social enterprise businesses in Scotland have a key role in building an economy that meets the social and environmental challenges of the 21st century. (1)
The main recommendations in the document, called Bigger, Better, Bolder: Social Enterprise Solutions for Scotland, are:
- Delivering 10% of public spending through social enterprise by 2012
- Using community benefit clauses in all public procurement contracts
- Making it easier for communities to own assets and develop enterprises
- Developing a joined-up national program for supported employment
- Creating new investment models for businesses with social aims
Mark Ballard MSP, Greens speaker on finance and public services, said,
"I very much welcome the launch of this manifesto, which is full of ideas for innovate economic development in Scotland. Social enterprises offer a new way of doing business that put social justice and the environment, rather than simply maximising profit, at the heart of enterprise. The sector receives less support in Scotland than in England and Wales, so it's high time that we caught up with the rest of the UK.
"Government procurement budgets have massive potential to support local economies and promote sustainable economic development. We have to use the procurement rules in a much smarter way. The rules on 'best value' procurement allow consideration of factors beyond simply the lowest price.
"Since the Land Reform measures were been introduced, we have seen communities across Scotland take on the responsibility of owning and managing land. We should use this energy through structures like community trusts to realise the full potential of community owned and led economic development."
Notes
1. Copies of the manifesto can be downloaded from ssec.org.uk or by calling Jon Molyneux, Policy and Communications Officer, SSEC, on 0131 557 1975
2. There are an estimated 3,000 social enterprises in Scotland, and 55,000 across the UK (DTI 2006)
3. The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition is a membership-led organization bringing together key organisations in the social enterprise sector. It represents the needs and interests of the sector to politicians and policy makers.
4. Bigger, Better, Bolder: Social Enterprise Solutions for Scotland will be launched at the Scottish Parliament at 6pm on Thursday 16th November. Journalists and photographers must confirm attendance in advance to Jon Molyneux on 0131 557 1975. SSEC Chief Executive Antonia Swinson is available for interview and case study examples of social enterprises in Scotland are available on request.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.