Social Firms UK

 Applications for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) funding have always been fiercely competitive and never more so than at present. With a large number of innovative projects across a range of industries vying for each year’s allocation, it is worth noting that only a small number of them come from the third sector. Therefore, Social Firms UK being awarded one in partnership with Middlesex University is a clear acknowledgement of the relevance and benefit the project will have within the sector.

The funding will be used to recruit a graduate Research Associate for one year to assess the business success factors in establishing and running a Social Firm – an important hire in the current economic climate.

The project aims are threefold:

The most established and prestigious programme recognising UK entrepreneurs and growing businesses is now open for entries. This year's awards have moved to a new level. The Growing Business Awards will still honour the UK's top entrepreneurs and SMEs, but we've also:

Social Enterprise Manager at Pluss Guy Eatherington is gearing up to cycle the length of Britain in support of the Big Society, and he is hoping to recruit the Prime Minister to lend his support along the way.

Guy’s ambition, when he sets off from John O`Groats on July 29th, will be to cycle 125 miles a day, completing his solo marathon ride all the way to Lands End, weather permitting, in 8 days. But before the big day comes the big practice, and the opportunity this week to drop off a personal invite for the Prime Minister….

Not content with regular training rides of up to 200 miles with other members of his local Cycle Touring Club, 40 year old Guy will be attending a professional conference in Blackpool this week – only to then cycle 303 miles all the way back home to Devon.

Brighter Future Workshop, a Social Firm in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, is celebrating in true royal style. It has won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding achievements in Sustainable Development.

Peter Cousins MBE set up the company with a clear vision for change by offering low-cost recycled mobility equipment and training opportunities to otherwise isolated individuals. In the last four years it has provided over 3,000 training opportunities for people with various types of disabilities and recycled or repaired over 5,000 pieces of mobility equipment - diverting them from landfill to enable disabled people to buy at an affordable price.