Economia
Network 2012
Non Profit ID card. Network 2012 based in London, United Kingdom
Non Profit ID card: present your project/organisation/campaign
Questions answered by Martin Murphy, Development Director, Network 2012.
– Where are you based? At the House of St. Barnabas, 1 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4NQ
– What are you called? Network 2012
– What are you doing and why? We are a business network with a social conscience and operate as a Social Enterprise with 50% of our income (yet to be generated!) re-invested into providing ongoing enterprise start-up support to excluded and disadvantaged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on the homeless and ex military personnel.
Why is a very good question! Both Tom Howat and I, who are the two directors of Network 2012, have worked in the homelessness sector in the U.K for a number of years before starting Network 2012 in January 2007. The aim is to empower those considered less well off, to begin businesses and/or social enterprises of their own and by so doing to tackle inequality and social exclusion. Our focus on men and women returning from conflict is an attempt to help them discover new passions and direction in life through business.
– Do you have a website/email? www.network2012.net; martin@network2012.net
– Do you have a Twitter/facebook link/name? http://twitter.com/network2012
– What makes you so special? The belief we have in what we aim to accomplish, our drive, our commitment and our tenacity in the face of challenges. Our belief that those we aim to help and serve have the same capabilities as any other member or section of our society but simply lack the same opportunities.
The turning point
– How did you start? We started in January 2007 with an idea to run networking events in a gym.
– What keeps you going every day? The love of it!
– Who is your target? We have 1100 members in our business network. They are a mix of small businesses, voluntary sector organisations, social enterprises, support organisations, sole traders and individuals.
– How are you financed? We are totally self financed.
The challenge
– A proud moment? The proudest moment is now. We have designed a service to our membership called Save& Give. Our new Save & Give initiative is a core part of this strategy: working with a selected group of trusted partners, we aim to provide business critical cost savings to our membership, whilst directly contributing to our business start up fund for excluded and disadvantaged individuals and groups.
You save; You give; and it won’t cost you a penny!
– A problem you face? There are no problems, just challenges and opportunities. Our challenges are:
– Explaining the concept of what we do succinctly
– Scaling up
– Managing our time
– Making the best of limited resources
– Your personal motto when things get hard? Be grateful!
– Another cool project/organisation/campaign you would like to recommend?
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