See an example of our work in pdf format:
A Review of Argyll and Bute's Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, 2009 »Community Organisations
Slainte has worked with a great number of community organisations over the last 17 years. Some, like Tongue and Farr Sports Association and Mallaig and District Swimming Pool, became significant social enterprises before the term was in common use which provide skilled employment and career prospects in their communities. Slainte's involvement was from the planning stage right through to training staff and, for a period, providing a management service until local staff were experienced enough to take over. Some organisations have had specific issues, while others are planning to become social enterprises - our input is tailored to the needs of the client. The work has taken us to most corners of Scotland, developing an understanding of the particular needs of communities.
Social Enterprises
First, a definition - a social enterprise is a business which has social and/or environmental objectives as well as commercial objectives. However, unlike a private business, the profits from a social enterprise are reinvested in the business or the local community rather than being distributed to shareholders or owners. This is an exciting opportunity for communities and community organisations to become financially independent and to be able to expand to meet local needs. Slainte has worked and is working with several who are making the brave step into a new future. Social enterprises are supported by the Scottish Government as a cost-effective way of delivering services locally.
Micro-Businesses
It is reckoned that around 99% of businesses in Scotland are one- or two-person businesses. Many are lifestyle businesses with limited growth ambitions, but all are important in helping to make rural communities viable and sustainable. These businesses buy from the local shop, support the local Post Office, have children at the local school and their activities prove that business can thrive in rural areas. Slainte has helped hundreds of these businesses through the start-up phase and to the point where they are established.
Business Growth
Slainte has dealt with a wide range of issues affecting the growth of businesses. These include financing, employing for the first time, marketing, export, market research, valuing and selling the business. This experience means that, whatever the problem, a solution grounded on experience will be developed.
Social Responsibility
Slainte firmly believes that we all live in an interdependent world and without fairness and respect, and people helping each other, there will never be peace and happiness. The company is committed to operating in a way that offers support to the local and international community and minimises the impact on the environment. The official “1% for the Planet” organisation is limited to environmental groups but on the same ethos Slainte Ltd donates 1% of turnover annually to local and international community organisations and charities. In the financial year November 2011 to October 2012 Slainte made donations to:
Sandy also volunteers as Secretary to Bike Trossachs, a voluntary organisation promoting mountain biking in the Trossachs.