Share Membership FAQs
1. How can I join SEWM?
Becoming a member of SEWM is quick and easy; simply complete our online application form. Once we process your details, you will then receive an invoice for your membership fee (within five working days). Once payment has been received, your Welcome Pack will be sent to you. For all membership enquiries, email us or call 0845 450 7515.
2. Why should I join SEWM?
Whether you are running a social enterprise, providing business advice, developing policy, commissioning front line services, or looking to develop your supply chain, you can benefit from joining our extensive network. It’s not easy knowing where to start, who to talk to, or how to access the right expertise – that’s where we can really help.
We offer a range of membership packages and associated benefits to suit your needs. For more information please visit:
SEWM CIC Membership Terms and Conditions – the small print!
3. How much does it cost to join?
There are three levels of membership to choose from; each designed to offer a range of benefits depending on your level of involvement in social enterprise. The levels and prices are as follows:
Basic (£49 + vat): Ideal if you’re new to social enterprise and looking for information, resources and knowledge to develop your understanding and get up to speed.
Plus (£149 + vat): The Plus package immediately pays for itself with exclusive offers on business services, training, seminars and networking opportunities to help make valuable connections.
Premier (£299 + vat): The Premier package offers you exclusive marketing benefits, significant savings on membership services, Premium events, and professional and business development opportunities.
4. Who is eligible to join?
Anyone with an interest in social enterprise can become a member of Social Enterprise West Midlands, including:
• Social enterprises • VCS organisations and infrastructure bodies • Business advisers and consultants • Local authorities • Local enterprise partnerships • Local strategic partnerships • NHS organisations • Probation trusts and NOMS • Other public sector bodies • Housing associations • Regeneration companies • Schools, colleges and universities • Investors, lenders and funders • Private sector businesses • Networks and partnerships • Sole traders & individuals5. Which membership category should I apply under?
We have two categories of membership - Social Enterprise and Associate. To help you select the appropriate membership category, these are defined as:
Social Enterprise: A legally incorporated non-profit distributing business with a declared social or environmental purpose earning at least 50% of turnover through trading activity OR an organisation working towards fulfilling this definition within 12 months.
Associate: Networks, partnerships, public sector bodies, private businesses, consultants, business advice agencies, investors and lenders, sole traders and individuals.
Membership categories do not carry preferential treatment or services.
6. How many members of staff can join the SEWM mailing list?
Generally we allow two key contacts per organisation on our mailing list. This is to enable us to keep our records manageable and up to date. When registering for membership you have the option to provide us with a primary and secondary contact. They will both be added to our database unless you request otherwise. If you work for a large organisation, with multiple departments (e.g. local authority, university) our Premier membership package can accomodate your needs.
7. How long does my membership last?
Membership of SEWM is for 12 months and can be renewed annually.
8. Can I upgrade my membership package part way through?
You can upgrade your membership at any time during your membership term. This will result a new 12 month contract starting from the commencement date of the new membership package. We will calculate the additional charges and invoice you.
9. How can I get my information in SEWM’s weekly round-up or on the website? Do I have to be a SEWM member?
If you have a newsworthy story, email it to: news@socialenterprisewm.org.uk. Please note the cut-off point for submitting news stories or other items for the weekly round-up is 5pm every Wednesday. Please summarise your news stories in 150 words or less, along with a link to the relevant web page. Whilst we want to include information that is of value to the sector, we would encourage regular contributors to become SEWM members.
