The UK's first ever national directory for social enterprises is
now officially live and promising to help the sector take advantage
of the growing desire to use its services.
With the offer of free directory listings until July 10th,
www.buyse.co.uk will make it easier than ever for customers to buy
from and trade with businesses that exist to make a difference to
communities and the environment.
The cutting edge website, which has been developed by Social
Enterprise West Midlands CIC, has been designed to help them
promote their products and services across the UK, breaking down
geographical barriers and crucially enabling potential customers to
find them in one simple to use location.
It has already attracted over 200 listings within its first week
of going live and importantly has the backing of Peter Holbrook,
the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Enterprise Coalition
(SEC).
"A national directory has been on many people's wish list for a
number of years and I am pleased that buySe.co.uk delivers a
platform that social enterprises, public sector, private business
and individual purchasers have been calling for to enable the
market to grow.
"This initiative offers social enterprises an invaluable chance
to market themselves to people and organisations with an interest
in working with our sector. I'm delighted that SEC can offer its
members the chance to take advantage of this opportunity for free
for a whole year."
Ranjit Bansal, Marketing Manager at SEWM CIC, has been leading
on the development of the innovative website:
"Latest figures suggest there are around 62,000 social
enterprises in the UK, but the number one question we get asked is
'Where are they?'
"There have been many attempts at launching trade directories
trying to address this issue, but they have often been network or
regionally focused and never really achieved what the consumer and
supplier have been demanding."
She continued: "In essence, buySe.co.uk will be the number one
destination for anyone looking for social enterprise suppliers.
It will also boost recognition of the Social Enterprise Mark,
the national brand and identifier for social enterprises. Holders
can display the logo on their business profiles, proudly showing
their credentials whilst also benefitting from additional search
filters."
The website, which features a state-of-the-art search engine,
offers social enterprises an at a glance profile page, services
section, the chance to post special offers and a review mechanism
for customers to leave feedback.
Users of the online directory will also be able to tap into the
latest news and new tender opportunities every week.
It is very cost effective to be involved with a fully editable
business listing costing just £99 per year and, until July
10th, members of specific UK social enterprise networks can have
the first twelve months for free.
This includes firms involved with Social Enterprise West
Midlands, Social Enterprise Coalition, Social Enterprise Mark
Holders, Co-operatives UK, Locality, Social Firms UK, Sporta, all
of the regional social enterprise networks across England and the
national bodies for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"We believe social enterprises could be missing out on millions
of pounds of sales because people do not know where to find them
and what they sell. BuySe.co.uk offers the perfect solution."
continued Ranjit.
Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are being invited from
major investors, who have a previous track record of supporting
social enterprise or who may be looking to take their brand into
this booming sector.