Qdosology Blog

It’s tempting sometimes, not to switch the television on, listen to the radio, pick up the morning paper or access our favourite RSS feed, for fear of what we may find out in the latest news stories. In other exasperated moments we pose the question ‘isn’t there more to life than just the accumulation of possessions or meaningless routine that barely allow us to make ends meet in a difficult economy?’ Pleasant distraction though they may be, we can also find the game shows, Facebook or the local gossip no longer do it for us.Yet, for the most part as the months come and go, we continue through life absorbed in our problems, largely untroubled by things happening the other side of the world or indeed, across town. Save for frustration over roadworks, wheelie bins or expressions of sadness and outrage concerning periodic awful incidents, we’re busy enough thank you and well, frankly, why doesn’t someone do something about it?Inevitably it takes a synchronistic opportunity, an unexpected personal insight or crisis, a tragedy befalling someone close to us, even a major news event perhaps, to force a disconcerting acknowledgement. Can we be true to ourselves as indifferent bystanders of injustice, environmental issues, the lack of local facilities or the plight of those far flung and in our communities, beyond the scope or capacity of elected mandate?

We feel somehow compelled, maybe seized by fateful circumstance, to act, filled with a sense of purpose to make a difference, attracting support, creatively inspiring and empowering others.

Change is scary. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge. How exactly could I use my skills, experience or influence to transform the situation I feel so passionate about? What about the funds and resources needed? The practical and legal implications? What’s the difference between a Charity and a Community Interest Company? Of course the social return on investment is the priority, but can investors receive a financial return? So, we have a choice. Maybe forget about it and go back to our lives. However, those stories, the unease and the dream will still be there.

There are 4.3 million business ventures in the UK. The latest published figures (2007)state just over 55,000 of them are active in social enterprise. Not many, really. I run a commercial company (well two actually), but my work with my education sector training company is still a social enterprise. I originated suitable endorsed content that we provide in the classroom, or train the teachers to deliver; tasters and embedded programmes on business, social enterprise, financial capability and more. Although we’re in mainstream secondary education, where the difference is really made is with those at risk of or are already permanently excluded. These are the kids that in my experience end up being the best self-employed or entrepreneurial types. Not necessarily corporate business owners, but I’ve assisted thousands of businesspeople so feel reasonable qualified to conclude this.

So, even if you are content with an out and out commercial venture, is there something you can do to diversify your activity into a form of social enterprise? What do you think of education policy? Have you ever been or currently a Trustee? What do you think are the barriers to being involved in or supporting a social enterprise? What do you feel about the future of business? What are you passionate about?