Audited Social Accounts Published

Introduction

OK was one of three pilot projects to test the economic development model of Ernesto Sirolli. A number of months ago social accounts were prepared for Opportunity Kintyre (OK) for the pilot period, 26 Feb 2007 to March 31 2009, to look at how well OK performed against their objectives. Data was gathered from a variety of sources to provide information for the social accounts, which have been subject to Social Audit. A short summary is also available.

Objectives

The three objectives of OK are:

To provide free, confidential business coaching, transforming the dreams of individuals within the community into sustainable enterprises
To maintain OK panel and networks/capabilities
To ensure the long term sustainability of OK

Objective 1

During the period of the social accounts OK had 107 clients who came from most of the villages/towns in Kintyre. Of these clients 63% were interested in starting a new business, with the rest wanting to develop an existing business. The most common type of assistance required was help with developing a business concept, with team building being a close second. From the 107 clients, 9 new businesses were started with 2 being expanded and 4 retained. This created/retained 24 jobs in Kintyre, which compares well with the expectations laid out in the final approval paper for the Business Gateway model, where it is reckoned that there would be 16 new jobs for every 100 assists.

Objective 2

Opportunity Kintyre has a Panel of around 40 volunteers, most of who have been involved since the beginning. These Panel members come from a good spread of Kintyre communities and have a range of occupations. During the social accounting period there was an average attendance at monthly Panel meetings of 14 members. Opportunity Kintyre has held a number of events, such as the balls in 2007 and 2008, which provided an opportunity to develop the networks.

Objective 3

This Objective mainly relates to funding, which has been an issue throughout the social accounting period. OK was initially funded by the Scottish Executive, but extra funding was required. Due to the economic climate and the fact that there are no large businesses in Kintyre it has been difficult to access funding from local individuals and businesses. Funding, particularly for the Facilitator's salary, is critical for the long term survival of Opportunity Kintyre, as the Facilitator is central to the service we provide.

Conclusion

Opportunity Kintyre has been providing a beneficial service to the Kintyre community over the social accounting period. There is work to do to ensure the long term sustainability of OK, but the social accounting process has helped clarify the issues and recommendations have been made as to how to move on.

Update

Since the end of the social accounting period a number of developments have taken place. Lynn, our Facilitator left at the end of April and since then Susan Paterson has been acting as an interim co-ordinator on a temporary basis. We are currently in the process of applying for charitable status and once that is finalised we will be applying for further funding to enable us to recruit and train another full-time Facilitator.

We are always looking for new members, so if you would like to get involved with OK, then please contact Morag Duff (Chair).