SEWM reveals plans for new membership offer

Social Enterprise West Midlands has today announced plans to launch a new membership offer and diversify its operations in order to better support the growing social enterprise sector in the region.

The new development follows a period of review and member consultation undertaken to evaluate SEWM’s effectiveness and better understand the needs of members and how best to respond, particularly during a time of great uncertainty over future funding for the sector.

Kevin Maton, Network Director said:

“Social Enterprise West Midlands will continue to champion the sector and build on the existing relationships we have developed with over 400 member organisations. We still have a big job to do in raising the profile of what social enterprises can offer and also ensure the right business support is available to help them flourish.”

The network launched in 2007 with resources from Advantage West Midlands to raise awareness of social enterprise, facilitate networking, promote good practice and influence policy. Now one of nine regional networks across the country, SEWM is well positioned to continue its advocacy role but also offer a range of new services.

Kevin added: “The sector in the West Midlands needs a strong membership organisation that can represent it, promote it, lobby Government on its behalf, build capacity, and help it grow. Members have told us that our role as an advocate and business network is needed more than ever at this time with new opportunities presented by the ‘Big Society’, against a backdrop of deep spending cuts.

“That’s why today - on Social Enterprise Day - we are announcing that we are developing an exciting new membership offer that will appeal to a broad range of organisations and individuals that want to get involved in the sector. There will still be a free offer, but we also recognise that there is a market for additional business services that many members will pay for. We also want to increase our work with the private sector.”

The new membership package, which will officially launch before the end of the year, will provide a range of negotiated offers, discounted listing on the buySe.co.uk directory, potential contract opportunities and access to member only networking and development events. An approved consultants scheme, and training and events programme will also be part of the new offering.

“We would like to thank our members for their contribution to the survey and ongoing support. The New Year will bring an exciting period of change and we hope to strengthen links with existing members and attract new ones with our package of services,” concluded Kevin.

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