New Business

[jasperlad]

I want to set up a business that would be suitable for the inclusion of special needs adults / children who can not access 'meaningful' interaction within the employment environment, by way of work experience and new skills.

My question is, is it possible to access some form of grant or financial support from social services / local authority and other than the normal regitering of a business, would I need to register in any other way.

Who would be my best point of contact to persue this vision as I find when talking with my local authority, I find nothing but blanks and lack of cooperation / understanding.

[Maypole]

Hi jasper
I think you want to set up a 'social enterprise' which is a business, so you should approach this from a business perspective. You need a proposition, marketing plan and business case. The background of your employees is a matter for you although there are some interesting thoughts to be had on the ethical considerations of using disabled employees as a marketing tool which is something you will find your own way with and there are like-minded folk to discuss this with.

Once you have your proposition you will need to decide what form the business will take and you may opt to register as a charity. See www.businesslink.gov.uk (then starting up) for more info on company structures - look out for the social enterprise section which is where I think you need to be http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/la yer?r.l1=1073858805&topicId=1077475650&r.lc=en &r.l2=1073859131&r.s=tl There are also links to other organisations with social objectives embedded in ther strategy, who will have a better grasp on what youre trying to do.
Good luck