About the Crossing's Social Enterprise Co.
Perhaps you're wondering 'just what is a 'Social Enterprise Company'? Good question!
Here's a definition offered by the Social Enterprise Coalition: Social enterprises are dynamic businesses with a social purpose working all around the UK and internationally to deliver lasting social and environmental change.
Translating this philosophy into practicality, our declared Object is "to develop and implement ethical projects and initiatives - based in or delivered from The Crossing Church & Centre - which are designed to benefit the community of Worksop & District". The Crossing Church and Centre was opened in May 2006, and the vision for the Centre was that church activities would be complemented by the use of the premises by a variety of community groups and charities and that a café would complement all activities. In August 2006 The Crossing Social Enterprise Company was formed, with a Board of Directors, comprising of both Church Members and representatives from organisations who also serve the local community.
The idea of The Crossing Social Enterprise Co. formed to partner community groups and agencies with The Crossing Church is an exciting and creative example of Church and the wider community working together in partnership. After just over a year of operation (Autumn 2007), we are seeing this partnership as effective and appropriate. Not only does it benefit the local community - our express aim, but it's also bringing about a new energy and perspective into the life of the Church. This work has built bridges between Church and community in ways which are truly positive and beneficial to all. The way the Social Enterprise works reminds us that often the things of true value in this world cannot be measured in financial terms. Theorists in this rapidly developing field refer to this as 'social profit'. Whilst financially this year we have held our own, in terms of social profit we have had seen even greater rewards.
Funding and Finance
The funding for all the projects so far has been through grants and details can be found in the treasurers financial report. Alongside this work the Church are fundraising, with the aim that once the building costs are covered, all the work within The Crossing can be support itself financially with the main income streams being the room lettings.
The Crossing SEC Ltd is a company limited-by-guarantee (Registered in England & Wales No 05893762) and is currently seeking charitable status. Registered address is The Crossing Church & Centre, Newcastle Street, Worksop, S80 2AT.
[The above are edited extracts from the SEC's first annual report, see the 'reports and policies' page to download a full copy in pdf format]
Previous page: construction of the crossing
Next page: Reports and Policies