In the afternoon, I met up with Pam Voisey and Lynne Gornall from GTi. Also at the meeting was Peter Mortimer from RCT. The meeting revolved around ways of working together and, while we all realise that the next few months will be challenging, we believe we have identified a number of ways of working together that will benefit our organisations, current and future clients and local regeneration aspirations. Peter offered the support of the RCT Economic and Community Regeneration Department in developing our plans, a support we will be making use of, no doubt.

On Tuesday, I meet with Jeff Jones from the Welsh Assembly Government (Department of Enterprise and Innovation), with the main focus of the meeting being on the Pre-Incubation Fund's continued financial support. The very good news is that the fund is in existence. However, the focus is on technology-based growth. We believe that our work meets these criteria and Jeff was extremely supportive, so bottom line is that we are very hopeful and we wait with ‘baited breath’ (and a little fear!) as, of course, this support is very important to us over the next year.

On Thursday, I attended the RSC ‘Building Bridges’ Conference in Llandridnod Wells, thanks to the financial support from Interlink. What a fantastic conference! I did, however, return with despair and excitement in equal amounts, which I think you will pick up as you read this blog. The conference was held over 2 days, with the Wednesday focusing on offender support which I did not attend. The Thursday consisted of a mixture of full conference presentations and workshops. The first presentation was entitled ‘Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship’ (ESDGC), which is now very high on the government's policy list. In a nut shell, if all the world's countries pursued our current Western lifestyles, we would need 3 planets to support us all. So, in the absence of another 2 planets, something has to change, and ESDGC aims to educate us in what these changes need to be. From where I sit, SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, with its focus on meeting our social needs and built on a business model with the TRIPLE BOTTOM line of finance, social and environment, is the way forward! Controversial, I know, but does current economic policy based on manufacturing (do we need all these 'things'?) and consumerism (do we really need to buy more 'things'?), both of which use up diminishing resources, offer us the best chance of a sustainable future? I just throw that in, though I can see how it might be viewed as the rantings of a grumpy old man (many have said I’m perfect for the show of the same name!). Anyway, ESDGC is important so I believe we all need to get involved.

This was followed by ‘Adult Community Learning in the Light of Consultation’, a presentation by Alison Bryant (WAG). There has been a consultation on this subject which closed in December 2008, and the results to be published shortly. For details, you will need to access the document, but I will just point out some issues that interested me. The definition of ACL is ‘learning provision for adults aged 19+, which is offered in local community settings and which is not occupation specific in nature’. What is meant by a 'community setting', methinks? The funding priorities are identified as:

For me, the main concerns I have relate to the very limited support for informal learning, the difficulty the strategy identifies with linking to the third sector and the total absence of learning support for social enterprise which is ‘the responsibility of other WAG departments, not DCELLS’!  And, to be fair, while there are two pages in the SEAP 2009 listing universities and colleges (which sort of implies they will support social enterprise learning!), there is no mention of DCELLS! So, I guess, DECELLS are right! What a shame!

The workshops covered items relating to Welsh learning using ICT, union rep. training, accessible ICT for partially sighted people, e-learning resources and Web 2 and Virtual Worlds. Now Virtual Worlds - fantastic! SECOND LIFE - I will not rant on at this point, but this is a must for this project! So watch this space!
 
The conference concluded with a presentation by Alan Clarke (NIACE) and expert in e-learning, the point of which was to promote its value in developing ‘the independent learner', but accepting the obvious challenges.

The week finished with a seminar on ‘Childcare in Rhondda Cynon Taff – Developing a Social Enterprise Model’. The seminar was held at the Feel Good Factory in Bryncynon and was supported by Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC and Interlink. The seminar did ‘what it said on the tin’! It looked to establishing a social enterprise to provide childcare across RCT. Carol Daniels (RCTCBC) stated that she wanted to support this. Now that might not seem a big deal to many of you but for me it is massive! To have an influential officer from the local authority state this, and indeed lead on this, is hugely encouraging. The seminar had the manager of Enterprise Childcare – a social enterprise from Scotland – discuss their business experience since 1991, and Angela Elniff-Larsen (Angles Enterprising Solutions) discuss the value of social enterprise to this sector. Now, I know Angela from the days she was a Pullman, and, indeed, TABS owes much to both her and Community Enterprise Wales for its existence. Angela was the CEW Development Officer back in 1994, when we were established, and before her career journey within CEW and ECOTEC lead to her developing such expertise in this particular field. The childcare project will definitely benefit through her involvement, and I hope also that this pre-incubation project will be able to gain her support.

I know that, on the whole, it is not a good idea to mix work with pleasure, but Saturday night was definitely the exception to the rule. I was invited to Margaret Jarvis 70^th birthday party at the Soar Chapel, Penygraig. As many of you will know, Margaret, and Richard have been the driving force behind Valleys Kids for many, many years. A fantastic night in a fabulous setting and very well deserved. Many faces there, of course, but I was particularly pleased to bump into Steve Curry and John Lenahan.

No game this week – but the team has been named. Lots of changes but as far as I am concerned the backs are even more exciting – can’t wait! I’m expecting 50 plus points from that back line!

Week 25: Saturday 14^th March 2009
A quiet week in many ways. We now have just 2½ weeks left of the development stage so most of the work is office-based, ensuring that all project documents (as required by the PRINCE2 Product List) are completed. My personal focus has been on the Organisational Review, while Eirwen and Chris are completing all their allocated policies, procedures and systems products. In regards to the website, you will see that we have designed and posted an evaluation questionnaire (using Survey Monkey’s online software). Obviously, we would be very grateful if you would complete this document at your earliest convenience, as it will help us reflect on our work to date and help us improve things for the future.
I met up with another client this week, more of which will be revealed in the coming weeks, so we are now supporting 3 potential social enterprises.
The question for now, Is what happens next?. We are awaiting the decision of our funders, but hopefully we will be supported and the next stage will involve a mixture of development but, more importantly, delivery. Our plans include:
 
-          Formation of steering group to support the project over the next 2 years. The starting point will be the PRINCE2 Steering Group, some of whom have already stated their interest, but to include some changes.

-          Creation of a NET@Work membership scheme, open to any individual or organisation interested in the development of new businesses, especially social businesses .

-          Successful access of all funding to deliver the full service (some of the identified funds are only available after April 2009).
 
-          Marketing the provision (mainly aimed at linking with individuals and groups looking to establish and grow businesses).

-          Workshops and events to promote the pre-incubation service, enterprise and social enterprise
-          Mapping of education and training support for entrepreneurial activity.
 
-          Development and implementation of an innovative ICT Strategy to support the NEW@Work service.

-          Joint ventures with NET@Work members around project(s) development; Contract Tendering and Research and Consultancy.
 
-          Pre-Incubation support to individuals and groups looking to establish or grow businesses.
 
-          Development of a social enterprise incubator.
 
-          Development of training and learning opportunities in support of entrepreneurial activity, particularly social entrepreneurial activity.

On the funding front, I am very aware that many of our Communities First partners are also awaiting similar decisions, which, of course, we empathise with and wish them all the best. Clearly, the next couple of weeks are very important to many of us.

Obviously, all of the above is important to us, as it is what we believe in and feel will help with the regeneration of our communities but  … who stayed in for Red Nose Night? What a setup!
Childbirth – perhaps the greatest event in many women’s’ lives – in the UK sees 1 in 8200 women lose their life giving birth, which is a tragedy. However, in some parts of Africa this figure is 1 in 8! Children who lose their mums are 10 times more likely to die very young. One million children a year die from malaria - 1 every 30 secs. Children who want to grow up to be teachers, lawyers, doctors and footballers who will never achieve their potential. As a trainer for over 30 years, my whole aim is to help people achieve their potential, but it has never been at the level of just being able to live! Then we have the problems in modern Britain of domestic abuse, of children living with alcoholic parents, of homelessness, etc.

A great charity, it seems to me, and, as I write, I see that it has raised over £59m – which is 26m more than ever before, and growing, and that in the midst of the credit crunch! That says a lot about many of the people in this country – brilliant. Mind you, can’t help but measure it against the billions the Government is giving to the banks ….but what do I know?!

Well, what I do know is that yesterday my daughter asked me to join her in a parachute jump to raise money for charity. Now I am rather frightened of heights – no, let’s be honest, I am petrified! I get vertigo on the upstairs of a double-decker, and I don’t mean the chocolate bar! Anyway, I am now going to do it. The way it works is I raise as much money as possible, part of which pays for the jump and the rest of which goes to charity – in this case the Red Nose people. If you would like to sponsor me, I would be very grateful, so just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre And Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB. Alternatively, you could send be something to sell via eBay! Naturally, as an ICT centre, it makes sense for me to use modern technology with this fundraising effort, so I have a number of ideas, one of which will involve trading on eBay.

Finally, it looks as if we aren’t even going to win the Championship, especially after that performance on Saturday – and I thought they would score more that 50! Ah well, time to implement plan B! As some of you will know, I am half Irish – my father was a Cork man. SO, COME ON YOU IRISH! Ireland for the Grand Slam!

Week 26: Saturday 21^st March 2009
What a week!

All of you who out there who have ever been waiting on funding for survival will know the feelings, and, boy, are they unpleasant!
 
As matters currently stand, TABS Ltd's survival depends on our investers funding the next stage of the pre-incubator project. The current funding runs out at the end of March, so, as the say around here, ‘that’s cutting it a bit near to the bone'! We had hoped to hear by Friday but didn’t – still that’s life and we will see what next week brings.

On the work front, Eirwen, Chris and I tried to plod on, but, having the thought that within 2 weeks we could be joining JobCentre Plus' currently ever-growing clientele, hung heavily upon on us.

For me, the highlight of the week was attendance at the DWP's ‘Fit To Work’ Conference held in the Hilton Hotel, and, fair play, the government know how to hold a conference! To cut the story of a long day short, the conference was about bringing health and work issues together to cut absenteeism through sickness. Dame Claire Black has stated that absenteeism costs the UK around £1 billion per year, so the government are looking to fund a number of pilot schemes to see if anything can be done to cut this cost. The bottom line is that only public sector bodies such as the NHS or local authorities can apply, so I am now looking for such a body to attach myself to! If you are such a body, please give me a ring!

You may have noticed that we have posted a survey on the website, so please take a look around and then fill it in for us, as it would help greatly at this time.

Started to prepare for the parachute jump with a little light training, but have a long way to go, so if you would like to sponsor me, I would be very grateful, so just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre and Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB.

Finally, well done Ireland! But how, on earth, did Wales end up 4^th!

Week 27: Saturday 28^th March 2009
What an even more incredible week! I won’t keep you in suspense – it was ALL GOOD. In fact all VERY GOOD!
 
First things first – we have been successful in gaining further funding from the RCT Economic and Community Pilot Project. We did not gain all the funding that was asked for but it will support the employment of one member of staff until September, thereby ensuring work continues on the project. The reason for this is that the European Convergence funds are not yet available. RCT rightfully wants to support all of their already supported projects, so we support their decision and are very grateful for their support. So, the bottom line is that the pre-incubation project moves to the next stage, which will have elements of further development but, more importantly, will now start to pre-incubate new businesses

We have been already supporting 2 projects, namely Diabetes Peer Support and St John’s Association and in the last week I have had discussions with 2 further potential social enterprises.

Treherbert Rugby Football Club – the club are looking to develop into a wider community resource. They want to upgrade the club’s building assets and devise a programme of activity which will engage with the local community. As a lover of rugby, and an ex-player, and as a valley boy I see these buildings are a fantastic resource and I am looking forward to work with Ned, Neil and the committee in helping them achieve this goal .

NET@work Recruitment Agency – we are going to establish a recruitment business to meet the human resource needs of third sector organisations and other sector organisations that have social innovation as a focus within their business activities. There is a reason for this which I will now explain.

Anyone who runs a community business will know that to be successful you engage with STRATEGIC planning. You must VMOSA your way to success! That is, you must:

• * Have a VISION
• * Write down your MISSION
• * Detail clear OBJECTIVES
• * Develop your STRATEGY
• * And implement your ACTIONS
• 
  

Without this you will not get SUCCESS!

So, for the last 4 years, that is what I have been doing... all the while hanging on by the skin of my teeth and waiting for the success to come.

Then the REAL world kicks in!

There we were on the Friday, wondering if RCT will grant us funding to continue with the pre-incubation project, very depressed knowing that if they say 'no' the TABS business will be forced to close and myself, Eirwen and Chris will be joining the unemployment register and I get a phone call from Manpower. Manpower manage the New Deal programme in this area and they asked for a meeting on the following Monday.

By 12pm on Monday 23^rd March, we had secured a contract to supply training to a minimum of 50 New Deal clients! I won’t bore you with the details, but this contract, along with the RCT funding for the pre-incubator, means that the 3 of us are in employment and I am looking to employ 3 more people immediately. The main aim of the New Deal programme is to get people into employment – hence the need for the previously mentioned NET@Work Recruitment Agency. If any of you reading this can offer a work placement, and/or looking to employ staff, please contact me so that we can discuss this service.

So, the message learnt is... just stick in there and your day will come! Not that I am saying don’t strategically plan but be aware that there are other forces at work!
 
Also this week,  I met with Geoff from Timebanking Wales and hope to gain his support to establish a TimeBank; I also attended a meeting of the DTA.

Finally, can I remind you to please complete our survey and again ask for support for my parachute jump - just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre and Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB.

Week 28: Saturday 11^th April 2009

The main event this week was the Unltd Awards, this year held at the Spectrum Centre in Cardiff – itself a fantastic example of a social enterprise and well worth a visit. Sadly for me, due to other commitments, I did not get there until after all the awards had been handed out, which, of course, was the whole point! But still I did at least get more than my share of what was quite a stunning lunch! Actually, while I am being rather flip,  I was very sad not to be there as the people Unltd support are all incredible individuals and it is an inspiring event. On the plus side, I met up again with Gareth Bickerton, the Wales Manager for Unltd, and Charles Middleton. Now Charles was supporting the event through his work with the Fairwood Trust and was for a very long time the leading light behind Training Services Wales. Many moons ago, myself and Charles, along with the likes of Star, Paul Stamp, Dai Penny, Dickie Davies, Kenny and, of course, many more played rugby for Ystrad Rhondda RFC so of course it was terrific to meet up again. Stranger still Charles is part of a team pulling together an ‘old boys’ reunion to held this month’s – how weird is that! I remember Friday nights – YES, Friday nights! – being Jolly Boys night where, basically, the idea was to get as many beers down your neck before attempting to play rugby the next day! And in my case for school in the morning and Ystrad in the afternoon! Good times!
On the Tuesday Evening, I met with the committee of Treherbert RFC to describe the support I would be able to offer the club through the pre-incubation service in its ambition to become a wider community resource. They were extremely welcoming to me personally and very open to the support offered so, hopefully, we will work together over the next few months to achieve this goal.
On Friday I meet with Angela Elniff-Larsen over at The Strategy, Bryncynon.  As I have mentioned in previous weeks, Angela is an expert in many areas relating to the development of social enterprise and the meeting was extremely productive. I am hoping that we will find many ways of working with each other over the coming months and years.. 

Finally can I remind you to please complete our survey and again ask for support for my parachute jump .... so just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre And Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB.


Week 29: Saturday 18^th April 2009 

Very interesting week with a meeting with Glen Bowen (Wales Co-operative Centre (WCC)) and Consultation of Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) Cymru. Glen has accepted an invitation to sit on the Pre-Incubation Advisory Group and also explain how the Business Advice and Guidance provision managed by WCC. The successful BA’s can be seen by visiting the WCC website. The consultation for SEC Cymru is very much in its early days so we will see what happens. Ran another Business Strategy Workshop with 4 of the Pre-Incubation clients.
Met up with Amanda Orrel, the Communities First Co-ordinator at Cwmaman. Great to meet up and as always Amanda was very enthusiastic and supportive and very much wants to be part of the pilot stage of the Pre-Incubation Project. Also fantastic to see work being done on the Sheppard’s Arms.
Finally, and of course importantly, met up with Alun Taylor from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Alun has always been a great supporter of the Pre-Incubator project and he has accepted an invitation to sit on the Advisory Group.
The New Deal contract is still going well with another staff member appointed and new learners starting, including a facility at Tri Yn Un
As normal can I remind you to please complete our survey and again ask for support for my parachute jump .... so just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre And Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB.

Week 32: Saturday 9th April 2009

Bank Holiday week – they seem to be everywhere at the moment!!
Met up with Meurig Brooks from the local authority – and the only reason that we are able to continue with the Pre-Incubation Project at present. Meurig is very happy with progress and has accepted an invitation to sit on the Advisory Group. I also had a meeting with Howard from Dare Training and hope that we will find ways to work together in the future.
Held a meeting of all Communities First Partners in the Pilot scheme – Rhys (Cwmni); Gary (Penywaun); Amanda (Cwmaman) and Darren (Tri yn Un). Suzanne from Fernhill and Glenboi attended as Rhian has left for pastures greener! Wayne (Penrhys) was unable to attend but still very much part of the project.
The New Deal contract is still going well but no new starters this week due to the 4 day week!!
As normal can I remind you to please complete our survey and again ask for support for my parachute jump .... so just contact me on paulnagle@tabstraining.co.uk or ring on 01443 682312 or simply send a cheque to Paul Nagle, Telecentre And Business School Ltd, Penrhiwgwynt Road, Porth, RCT, CF39 9UB.

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