Information & Advice
Local organisations providing information and advice to support social enterprises in West Sussex
The following organisations are members of the West Sussex Social Enterprise Steering Group, and are working in partnership to develop the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network.
Action in rural Sussex
Action in rural Sussex is a charity aiming to identify problems and to respond to the needs of rural communities - providing practical help and helping villages in Sussex remain vibrant living and working places.
In addition to our practical work with rural communities, we champion their needs wherever policy is being made that will affect them. We provide a range of services, including advice to village halls, childrens' and young peoples' services, guidance to parish councils and community development, work with older and isolated people and championing access to services in rural areas.
Address: Sussex House, 212 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2NH
T: 01273 473 422
W: www.ruralsussex.org.uk
Brighton University
Nick Rodgers is the University of Brighton’s Business Development Manager in Sussex. The role is outward facing, working with organisations to improve their capacity and skills and deliver some of the projects run by the University.
Nick also runs the Social Enterprise Profit Net network in Sussex, supporting organisations with advice and funding sources to deliver new and innovative projects across the county.
Address: Centrim, University of Brighton, Falmer Complex, Brighton BN2 1LR
T: 07983 443556
E: n.rodgers@brighton.ac.uk
Business Link
Business Link is a national business information, advice and support service that is dedicated to helping businesses and budding entrepreneurs to develop and progress. Delivered locally in Sussex, we have a team of impartial, highly trained business advisers who can advise on any stage of a company development, talk you through the available options and advise on the best course of action for your company.
We are non-exclusive and support businesses from all industry sectors, including social enterprises, and have a comprehensive website which has a variety of online tools designed to help businesses at various stages of development. These include tools to assess what computer requirements a start-up might need, to create a personal development plan or to get your tax calculated. Leaflets are also available online advising on innovation, exporting, HR and other business requirements.
The website is an excellent place to start for anyone looking for information, but it is not designed to replace professional advice. To discuss how an adviser could help your business, call 0845 600 9006
Address: Business Link, Greenacre Court, Station Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9DS
W: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast
ICIS
ICIS is a social enterprise providing information resources to support the health, wellbeing and independence of people in West Sussex. Working with and on behalf of the voluntary, statutory and independent sectors, ICIS facilitates access to information for the public and service providers via a freephone Enquiry Line, newsletters, e-bulletins and online databases.
ICIS produces the monthly West Sussex Social Enterprise e-Bulletin and maintains the WSSEN website on behalf of the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network.
T: 01903 859929
E: admin@icis-info4life.org.uk
W: www.icis-info4life.org.uk
Profitnet
Profitnet is the University of Brighton’s learning network for business and social enterprise, where owners and managers come together to work collaboratively to address real challenges and help each other seek new opportunities for growth and sustainability. The University has expertise a wide variety of areas and can also supply research and consultancy services.
Address: Judith Badger, University of Brighton, Exion 27, Crowhurst Road, Brighton BN1 8AF
M: 07984 122195
E: j.badger@brighton.ac.uk
The Aldingbourne Country Centre
The Aldingbourne Country Centre provides work and training opportunities for people aged 18 to 65 with learning diffi culties. Clients are able to develop a range of skills leading towards greater independence and, whenever possible, useful employment in the local community. Through a process of expression of interest the Aldingbourne Trust was chosen to represent Social enterprise in the WSSESG and LEG meetings.
Address : Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton Chichester PO18 0JP
T: 01243 542075
E: acc@aldingbournetrust.co.uk
West Sussex County Council Economic Strategy Group
Partners from the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network work together to deliver the West Sussex Social Enterprise Action Plan. The aim of this is to reinforce the existing infrastructure which is available for social enterprise support in West Sussex.
The WSSEN project is managed at WSCC by Ana Fajardo, Economic Development Manager, Economic Strategy Group, Customers & Commmunities, West Sussex County Council.
Address: 3rd Floor, The Grange, Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1RH
T: 01243 777606
E: ana.fajardo@westsussex.gov.uk
West Sussex County Council Adults and Children
Adult Services aims to develop relationships with the Voluntary and Community Sector for the future commissioning and delivery of social care in West Sussex. Contact details:
seth.gottesman@westsussex.gov.uk, Project Development Officer - Voluntary & Community Sector, Adults & Children, West Sussex County Council.
Address: Sussex House, 12 Crane Street, Chichester PO19 1LJ
T: 01243 752167
M: 07921 291091
E: seth.gottesman@westsussex.gov.uk
Who we work with
Social Enterprise South East (SE² Partnership)
The SE² Partnership is the social enterprise support body for the South East.
SE² Partnership’s mission is to provide a flexible, dynamic and sustainable infrastructure which will effectively enable the growth of social enterprise impact in the South East. Its values are mutuality, entrepreneurship and local delivery.
Website: http://www.se2partnership.co.uk/