The challenges facing Bristol’s community sector came under the spotlight at a meeting attended by representatives of the city’s 20 top charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The event organised by Locality, the national network of community-led organisations, explored innovative ways they could continue to operate in the face of enormous challenges due to funding cutbacks.
Among the topics discussed was how organisations can make the transition from community organisations to ‘investor-ready’ enterprises, how to enter difficult markets such as housing and manufacturing, and the importance of owning their own assets and having a credible business plan.
The meeting of chief executives and board-level representatives took place at the Bristol headquarters of ethical bank Triodos Bank.
Attendees included Southmead Development Trust, Barton Hill Settlement, Knowle West Media Centre, Ujima Radio, United Communities and Knightstone Housing Association.
Barton Hill chief executive and chair of Locality’s board of trustees Joanna Holmes said: “As a sector we’re still facing the challenges posed by austerity and we need to be able to respond to the rising levels of poverty experienced in our communities.
“There is a clear need to consider long-term viability and sustainability of our organisations, particularly in an environment where traditional grant and EU funding is evaporating. It was great to get everyone together to share learning and information about how to ensure our futures are sustainable.”
Triodos head of business banking Rebecca Pritchard added: “A successful economy needs to drive growth that works for everyone, and social investment underpins healthy cities. The financial services sector has a responsibility to be a solution to some of the most pressing social and environmental problems that we face – and with Bristol’s reputation as a creative and inspiring community – innovative financial solutions can play a leading role in meeting these challenges.”
More topics are planned over the next few months, including a discussion on the future of neighbourhoods.
Locality is the national network of ambitious and enterprising community-led organisations, working together to help neighbourhoods thrive.
