Self-employment among hard-to-reach groups set to rise as National Enterprise Network welcomes RIFT Social Enterprise
RIFT Social Enterprise, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Kent but delivering nationally, are the latest social enterprise to join England’s National Enterprise Network (NEN).
RIFT Social Enterprise (RSE) was established in 2018 with the aim of supporting the most marginalised in society with specialist self-employment guidance, mentoring opportunities and tax refunds.
Their team of expert advisors deliver self-employment and start-up support to a range of clients including those who have been through the criminal justice system, the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities and veterans. The team at RSE deliver start up support the “untraditional way” – they recognise the barriers their clients may face, and have created a delivery model with the end user in mind, using free resources and out of the box thinking to help their participants start up debt free.
RSE currently deliver services over 33 prisons, for the Work and Health Programme across Wales, DWP in North and West London, for the Growth Company in Greater Manchester and most recently have secured two contracts to deliver under the new DWP ‘Restart’ Programme.
Andy Gullick, RSE’s Chief Executive, said; “Our remote, holistic, self-employment service is designed to make self-employment a reality for anyone who is motivated to be their own boss – regardless of their current circumstances or prior history. This sector is often overlooked by funders but it’s now more important than ever, with fewer PAYE opportunities in several sectors.”
Mr Gullick continued; “Now is the right time for RSE to become part of a national body who will represent us and champion our cause with policy makers in UK Government – that’s why we’ve come to the home of enterprise support. We’re excited to be part of this network and look forward to connecting with other NEN members at the conference and awards ceremony next month.”
RSE share common ground with other NEN members, such as Somerset Business Association and Enterprise Exchange, by being certified by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE). Their self-employment workbook focuses on the practicalities of business; from insurance and funding to competitor research and marketing and their 12-month support package including the allocation of a specialist Business Start-Up Advisor to every participant makes it quite a unique service.
NEN’s Chairman Alex Till said; “Enterprise support providers like RSE are working harder than ever in the current climate, delivering vital support to small business owners who would otherwise be unemployed. As we approach the time of year when we recognise the achievements of our members, I’d like to thank RSE and all our members for helping to make self-employment dreams a reality. Starting their own business is not only a route to a better life for the individual, it is critical for Britain’s economy that these small companies start, survive and thrive.”