Kate's project

[Kate MacLean]

I am working on setting up a Social Enterprise along with an economist fro the Highland Economic Forum. Without wishing to give too much away about what is, after all, a business proposition, I will illustrate the background for you all.

With the ageing demographic comes a fear in the public sector that already stretched services will be swamped. Whatever we can do in prevention, whether MH, Falls, inclusion-based, will in the long run save the public purse for acute cases.

I went to the HEF some months ago because I felt that they were missing the point : that the Older People in 20 years time are my generation of Babyboomers. With 50 years of good healthcare behind us, we do not expect to become a burden on the state until our 90s at the earliest!

Concentration of economic development effort of youth placements as an incentive to work is mis-placed. Businesses and services in future will be more web-based, and micro-businesses offering services to Older People will be an even greater chunk of the Highland business community than it is at present.

I have proposed a Social Enterprise which will :

Who : provide an umbrella body operating services to Older People.

Where : across Highland, pilot probably in Nairn

What : a brokerage for SDS and benefits, an accreditation system for small businesses (gardening and cleaning), and a contractual/admin service offering payroll, insurance, flight booking, internet shopping safeguards.

What obstacles : too many private sector business set-ups in competition before brand established. Poor buy-in from Public sector. Claims of anti-competitive behaviour from existing business.

Who benefits : anyone over 50 who requires services but needs reassurance. LA/NHS may outsource services via Umbrella Body. Customers have choice and are not labelled or processed.

How : steering group established, Funds applied for, scoping done, public sector consulted. Pilot designed so that rapid expansion can take place. Businesses have confidence in continuity of contract, legacy and growth.