Business Connector :

Making a Difference in Wiltshire Geraldine McKibbinMarch 2013

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Business in the Community (BITC)

Business in the Community are a business-led charity, focused on promoting responsible business practice

There are over 850 companies members of BITC, with 10,700 engaged globally

Members help to transform communities by tackling key social and environmental issues

The BITC vision is ‘for every business to act responsibility and so ensure a sustainable future for all’

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On our doorstep today :

22% of 16-19 yr olds in England have numeracy levels at or below those expected of 11yr olds

1,000,000 of the 2.68m UK unemployed are 16-24 yr olds who are not in employment, education or training.

1 in 6 children live in households where nobody works

50% of employees in the UK feel they are not as productive as they would be.

Social Value Act and Welfare reforms will proved added pressure

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A number of key programmes run by BITC

Business Connector Programme Senior business people, seconded from member companies, to

tackle local issues.

Focus is on Education Employment Enterprise

Understand local issues and needs/challenges

Connect with local companies to find solutions – resource, skills, time

The Prince’s Rural Action Programme • Help make positive difference in rural communities to help sustain our countryside

• Support a thriving rural economy

• All businesses to understand impact on rural communities and recognise what it can contribute is one of the other BITC programmes

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My area of focus in North Wiltshire

Support the capacity build of the voluntary sector Understand the issues, challenges and needs of the local community and hindrances to growth/aspirations.

Identify and support enterprise opportunities ‘business to business’, encouraging mutual networking that will benefit local business as well as local communities

Ensuring, wherever possible, an element of sustainability and tangible legacy

North Wiltshire, excluding Swindon.

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How can I help you?

Via my network of contacts

Find mentors,

Business skills – planning, IT, marketing, physical equipment

Volunteer teams for specific activities

Support your clients – interviews, CV preparation,

Signposting

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EXAMPLES

Job interview skills day for young unemployed

Business planning mentoring for NEA scheme

Business/social enterprise networking event

CSR networking breakfast promoting homeless charity

Posters produced for cooperatives conference

Business Class launched

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CONTACT DETAILS

Geraldine McKibbin 07770 925 948

geraldine.mckibbin@bitcconnect.org.uk

Find out more:www.bitc.org.ukwww.bitc.org.uk/programmes/business-connectors

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Responsible businesses do better

• New business opportunities

• Direct financial impact

• Engaged employees and future Workforce

• Improved operational effectiveness

• Stronger organisational growth

• Better risk management

• Enhanced brand reputation

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