27th April 2004
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT REACHES OUT TO THE DEARNE


Social Enterprise Barnsley has appointed a new Co-ordinator to head up the newly formed District Team of Social Enterprise Business Advisers, which will be based at a new office in the Dearne.

Lynda Chapman who previously co-ordinated the Objective One and Neighbourhood Renewal funded Full Employment Area ‘Pilot’ has worked for Barnsley Development Agency for over 5 years. “We have achieved a great deal and established over 26 Social Enterprises in the communities of Barnsley, creating local wealth and jobs and I am confident there is even more we can achieve over the next few years.” The Business Advisers will be offering their services free of charge to community groups and voluntary sector organisations. The team will help to establish and grow entrepreneurial businesses and skills in social enterprises.

Social Enterprise Barnsley recently received the Customer First Certificate for demonstrating their ability and dedication to providing a quality assured service to customers. “As an organisation we are determined to continually review our service delivery and adapt and change systems where necessary. This quality underlies our commitment to making Barnsley an even better place to live and work”, said Kevin Jebson SEB manager “Our business advisers are all undertaking training and will be assessed against the Business Link National Adviser standards, which is the recognised quality assurance standard for all business advisers”, he continued “Lynda has just been externally assessed and demonstrated that she provides advice and information well in excess of the minimum standard for business advisers. This is an important step personally for Lynda and also for Social Enterprise Barnsley. Lynda is one of the first social enterprise business advisers in England that can proudly say their professional business advice skills are to this standard. Lynda is to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment she has demonstrated throughout her time at Barnsley Development Agency. Her work in our communities is greatly appreciated by many.”

As well as providing business support Barnsley Development Agency have successfully managed a number of employment initiatives including the Full Employment Area ‘Pilot’ and the Intermediate Labour Market Programme which has provided a bridge back to work for many individuals who have been long term unemployed. Social Enterprise Barnsley is funded by Objective One and Yorkshire Forwards Single Pot. For more information about Social Enterprise Barnsley and what support they can offer please contact Tel: 01226 784444.



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www.barnsleydevelopmentagency.co.uk

Press Contact: Sarah Hopwood
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Barnsley Development Agency
Telephone: 01226 640 086
Facsimile: 01226 286 606
Email: shopwood@barnsleydevelopmentagency.co.uk





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