I am the development director for Network 2012 a business network and a social enterprise. The aim of network 2012 is to develop a business community that wishes to contribute to social or environmental change and a community that sees the importance of networking to achieve business goals. By becoming a member of Network 2012 an individual or business can make a contribution to positive social change and the development of business as a tool for that change.

Our aim is to provide bursaries and a package of support for individuals or groups with useful ideas for new businesses that will contribute to social or environmental change. Those bursaries will be targeted at those individuals or groups that would otherwise struggle to obtain access to mainstream finance.

We do this because we believe business can regenerate less well off communities and regenerating less well off communities will benefit society as a whole. We often use the term "social enterprise" for these businesses but we are acutely aware that it is business methods that will bring about change. That said we believe business needs to be extremely conscious of the effect it has on people and the environment.

The terms we most favour in an ocean of terms and descriptions for this new and emerging market of businesses are just two: -

People Centred Economics and Planet Centred Economics. The two terms are quite obviously inextricably linked.

We believe that the average consumer cares about the products and services they buy and how these products and services are generated and that given the choice they will purchase the products and services that contribute most to the improvement of the condition of the human race or the improvement of the sustainability of the planet.

We therefore believe in the business case for people and planet centred economics.

If you are a charity wishing to start a business that will help you become less reliant on short term funding, an existing social enterprise, social firm, small or medium enterprise or simply an individual wishing to make a contribution to our aims and objectives and you wish to make a contribution simply by networking then we are probably a network you will enjoy being a part of.

I am also currently employed as a consultant by The House of St. Barnabas in Soho helping to develop a new and exciting life skills programme for those needing to bring about positive change in their lives.

The charity runs a successful venue hire business to help achieve it's charitable aims and to keep its beautiful grade 1 listed building in the heart of Soho in service for those at a disadvantage in life.

The charity has been in existence for over 160 years in Soho and Network 2012 through myself and my business partner Tom Howat also works to further develop the business of the house with the aim of ensuring its future.  http://www.atthehouse.org.uk/