Joining with the Guardian

I for one can appreciate the value of ‘independent media’ as a social benefit. In an era in which magazines and newspapers are becoming increasingly reliant on advertising revenue and charging fewer reporters to produce more copy, journalism standards, unsurprisingly, are at their lowest ebb for many years. The Guardian, more than most, has found a way to ease the commercial pressure on its main print magazine to maintain the quality of journalism.

It makes sense, therefore, that – as was also alluded to in that piece – ClearlySo should be partnering with the Guardian on a number of projects in the coming months.

It begins with two seminars to be held at the Guardian head offices at Kings Place in London. The first, on 10th May, looks at the vital issue of raising capital. For all the great work being done by social businesses and enterprises, presenting a successful pitch is a difficult art to master. This seminar will be chaired by Rodney Schwartz and feature contributions from experts including Susan Ralphs of Ethical Property Company, Jonathan Jenkins of UnLtd and Mohammad Ubaydli of Patients Know Best (who we featured on the Guardian Social Enterprise Network). Each will offer their unique insights into the skills required to successfully find investors and secure capital.

The second on June 14 looks at how social enterprises can access public assets. Various publically owned assets are being made available. This seminar, again chaired by Rodney Schwartz, will look at the forthcoming legislation and examine how social enterprises can make the most of these opportunities.

In addition, we are also entering into a media agreement involving events taking place later in the year. Members of the Guardian Social Enterprise Network will receive a 10% discount to the ClearlySo Social Business Conference in October. Members of ClearlySo can also receive a 10% discount on some Guardian events.

It’s an exciting agreement and one that will hopefully provide immense benefit to members of both organisations. Further details will appear on our events pages in due course so head over there to find out more.