I have a very wide range of contacts and networks I can use to ensure that my consultancy work conforms to best practice in the social economy. These networks include:

Neighbourhood renewal and community regeneration
Direct working experience with specialist advisers on worklessness, health, education, crime and community safety, housing, environment and community cohesion.

Member of RenewalNet, the government network for local strategic partnerships and neighbourhood renewal advisers.

Member of Regeneration Exchange, the North East regional network for local strategic partnerships.

Direct links with a large number of community partnerships especially in London, Greater Manchester, North East England, Cumbria, Devon and Somerset.

Co-operatives and social enterprise
Associate member of Co-operatives UK, the apex organisation for co-operatives in the UK. From 1991 to 1995 I was vice-chair of the Industrial Common Ownership Movement, now part of Co-operatives UK.

One of the founder members of the Association of Co-operative Support Organisations, with excellent contacts in co-operative and social enterprise agencies throughout the UK.

Voluntary sector
Close working relationship with London Voluntary Sector Training Consortium.

Strong links with voluntary sector organisations in North East and North West England, especially Councils for Voluntary Service, Rural Community Councils, user/carer forums etc.

Specific working relationships with various disability organisations including Scope, Mind, Age Concern and MS Research Society.

European Union
Partners in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain with experience of helping workers adapt to industrial change.

Partners in Belgium, Spain, Italy and Sweden with experience of creating sustainable employment for disabled people.

Partners in Belgium and Spain with experience of stimulating local action for employment.

International
Member of the COMMACT, the Commonwealth Association for Local Action and Economic Development. From 1991 to 1997 I was vice-chair of COMMACT Europe.

Associates and consultants
I have developed a network of freelance consultants and co-operative businesses that I can call on for additional expertise including marketing, finance, legal. languages, training and ICT.