Birmingham City Council Leading The Way on Local Authority CSR Initiatives

Many politicians, private sector businesses, statutory organisations and local authorities talk about the need for The Big Society and Corporate Social Responsibility, but they struggle to give a leading example for businesses to follow. Birmingham City Council pioneering work with Think Venue is an example for all to follow.

Birmingham City Council, have been one of the first organisations to recognize the value that Think Venue can bring to them as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements, but also in terms of helping them with budget savings. In 2009 Birmingham City Council were spending 20% of their conference and meeting needs at third sector venues, but since they have been using Think Venue to find their venues they now spend almost 100% in the sector. Here’s why:

  • Money spent with Think Venue members supports employment, social, community, arts or environmental projects
  • Venues have delivered up to a 30% saving compared to other sector venues
  • Income generated by some venues goes so much further – every £1 spent delivers a multiple amount back into wider society
  • Helps organisations become less grant dependent

“I want to encourage agencies and private corporate businesses to look at Birmingham City Council as an example and to use these local social businesses for their conference and meeting needs. A simple change in procurement can so easily help any business meet their Corporate Social Responsibility” Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader, Birmingham City Council

Think Venue is a real example of what collaborative working can achieve and helps demonstrate what the Big Society could look like. A co-operative of conference venues that support community, charitable and social causes by co-marketing and supporting them via a free to use venue finding website and paid membership services. The premiss is simple: use Think Venue to find ethical venues for your meetings or events and the money you spend at the venue allows them to deliver their goals. This results in an alternative income to the loss in grants, but it also does so much more, such as, provide training opportunities for people furthered from the labour market, build stronger communities, helps arts projects, etc. Think Venue, is designed to provide an easy route for the customer to find a venue that meets their CSR objectives.

“Birmingham City Council (BCC) is committed to support voluntary and not for profit organisations (the third sector). The third sector is invaluable to the City often supporting or training some of the most vulnerable people of our community. For BCC staff this means Think Venue is the 1st choice for any meeting or conference needs that cannot be met by internal facilities. This year (2010/11) over £1m has been spent via Think Venue, helping to safeguard and strengthen third sector organisations which in turn, reinvest in their local community.” Procurement Department, Birmingham City Council 

 

To find out more about CSR and working with Think Venue please contact us via our contact page.