The first year of the programme has helped with the successfully delivery of targeted outputs, as well as helped us to uncover some key challenges that the programme will need to respond to during the final year of activity. 

Ninety West Midlands based BME third sector organisations have been the first recipients of R20’s main support programme for 2007-2008 Ready for Business 1. R4B1 provided BME third sector organisations with tailored business support to improve their ability to access, secure and deliver public sector contracts. This support was provided by a select few organisations, specially trained by the R2O programme in assessing the needs of each organisation. Through diagnosing any key issues, a plan of action was devised for each business supported by R2O.

One the biggest challenges for 2007-2008 was ensuring that the programme communicated its messages and opportunities across the region. However, the programme has begun to make good progress outside of the Birmingham and Solihull areas. The 2008-2009 programme will dedicate a larger percentage of support to other parts of the region.    

• Improving business support for the BME third sector in the region
• Improving commissioning and procurement opportunities and processes
• Influencing public policy, strategy and investment
• Improving the leadership and performance capacity of the BME sector

Recommend this article...