Eastside in the media

"National business expertise comes to Walsall"

Eastside Consulting and The Vine Trust Walsall have won the opportunity to deliver "Trade Walsall" - a social enterprise business support programme in Walsall funded by the Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) and delivered in partnership with Walsall Partnership and Walsall Council Economic Regeneration Team.

Over the last 5 years Eastside have worked across the UK and have raised over £21m of investment finance for social enterprise. Through Trade Walsall, Eastside will be delivering a range of business support services that help to increase the scale and impact of social enterprises in Walsall.

With an established track record of working with well known social enterprises such as The Salvation Army and the Eden Project as well as smaller organisations, "Trade Walsall" will do exactly what the name says - increase trade in Walsall.

Richard Litchfield, Eastside Managing Director says "For Eastside, a social enterprise is any organisation that uses an entrepreneurial or market approach to achieve social or environmental impact. Trade Walsall will work with all such organisations, large or small, charities, housing association, community groups and social entrepreneurs to help them to scale up and create new jobs. We don't care about size or age - just impact."

Trade Walsall will deliver a programme of business development support, working with established organisations and those who are just forming a social business idea. Activities will include networking sessions to inspire and motivate through to specialist one-to-one business support from Eastside's experienced advisors. Eastside will also provide introductions to potential investors.

Cllr Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of the Council and Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration said "Continuing the successful regeneration of Walsall means supporting all businesses to develop. Social enterprises have a vital role to play in not just having a positive impact in Walsall, but also in creating jobs and bringing investment into the town. Through Trade Walsall we will create that impact".

Eastside have a main office base in London, but work nationally across the UK. Trade Walsall activity will be co-ordinated by Eastside project manager Andy Haynes who is based in Walsall. Andy says "I've worked with social enterprises for over 10 years and for the last 5 years in the Walsall area. I am constantly amazed by the impact social enterprises have, especially as many have limited and uncertain resources and receive little specialist support. This project will address those key issues by bringing Eastside's national expertise in social enterprise and securing investment into Walsall."

Trade Walsall can support anyone in Walsall interested in getting involved in social enterprise. If you have a social business idea or are already involved in social enterprise then the Trade Walsall team would be glad to hear from you tradewalsall@eastsideconsulting.org.uk