MCM Associates, in association with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, were appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in December 2003 to undertake a scoping study - for the asessment of the asset base of the community business sector in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The study involved two distinct elements as follows:
- Development of a framework methodology for the valuation of the asset base of community businesses.
- Undertaking a review of the opportunities and threats which the increased use of the asset base of these organisations might bring.
Background
The scoping study was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a key element of its work to strengthen communities as set out in its strategy ‘A Smart Successful Scotland – the Highlands and Islands dimension’. The study builds on previous work that has been undertaken that focused on providing an assessment of the scale and nature of the social economy within the Highlands and Islands. The scoping study is the first stage of a process in relation to undertaking an assessment of the nature and value of the asset base of the social economy sector within the area, and how the sector is deploying its assets to develop its work.
The background to the study is based on a number of factors including:
- The recognition and ongoing commitment by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in relation to the importance of developing sustainable communities and the involvement of local people in the process.
- The impact of government policy in terms of the public sector offering fewer services directly within local communities, particularly in rural and remote areas.
- The increasing recognition of the social economy sector as a significant source of employment and provider of local services.
- The changing funding environment and the possibility of significant reduction in available support from sources such as the National Lottery and the European Union.
Against this backcloth, it is recognised that there is a need to consider the range of work and support that is required to develop the social economy sector and maximise the contribution that this sector can make towards building sustainable local communities. An important part of this process will include consideration of how the social economy can develop and utilise its asset base to expand and sustain local services.
A downloadable copy of the study is available here.
