Big Society – Better Southampton

After discussions with Business Solent, Southampton Voluntary Services, Southampton Connect and Business in the Community earlier in the year I was delighted when they agreed to organise this event. The Corporate Social Partnership play a leading role and I was able to lead on of the workshops and sit on the pannel.

The event was supported by Southampton City Council, Saints Foundation, Capita and Flybe.

Local Business, Public and Voluntary organisations came together to discuss what the “Big Society” could mean for Southampton and to hear of practical ways to work together benefiting both the organisations and the local community.

The aim of the event was to create greater connections between the sectors across the city. Over 120 people gathered at St Mary's Stadium and the event was hosted by Martyn Lewis, broadcaster and chair of National Council for Voluntary Organisations; he said: “People in local communities deciding to make change happen is the closest you can get to democracy.”

Keynote speakers included Jo Ash, CEO of Southampton Voluntary Services; Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations; Professor Van Gore, Vice Chancellor of Southampton Solent University and Dave Newton, Managing Director of Corporate Impact. They set the scene by giving delegates an overview of the different perspectives of the voluntary, public and business sectors.

Sir Stuart Etherington said Southampton had the opportunity to lead the way for the rest of the UK to follow and said: “The Big Society approach really is about local brokerage – it may not be easy to achieve but if you can get it off the ground here, you can set an example to the rest of the country”

Workshops enabled over 120 delegates to share their ideas or experiences and make a commitment to action to take back to their organizations. They also highlighted that communication – knowing who to talk to or contact - was a major barrier to success.

Speakers, sponsors and organizers of the Big Society – Better Southampton Conference which took place on 11th November 2011.

Donation instead of company Christmas Card

As we come up to the Christmas holiday I’m sure you are thinking of ways to thank your suppliers and customers and encourage them for 2012. I have found that the traditional company Christmas card gets lost amount the mountain of others. The recipient does not remember receiving yours or even notices if they don’t. There is also the environmental impact to consider! If you make a donation to The Rainbow Centre instead of sending cards you have an opportunity to contact your customers, suppliers and prospects letting them know what you are doing. This stands out, giving you a much higher profile.

I would suggest sending an e-mail with a little bit of design with the following wording;

Dear ( supplier, customer, prospect name here)
( your company name) would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We have chosen not to send Christmas cards this year, but are instead making a donation to The Rainbow Centre. We will be able to make a donation of £ ( this can be calculated to include the card and postage costs). ( You might like to add ):We have decided to round up / match this to bring the donation to £xx.
It would be a wonderful gift to the children and adults supported by Rainbow if you would join me in this alternative to Christmas cards.
The Rainbow Centre is one of the region's major charities and exists to support children and adults with neurological problems. Please take a few moments to view their website at www.rainbowcentre.org
We would like to wish you a relaxing Christmas and New Year and a prosperous 2012.
Kind regards

I do hope you will want to support us in this way.