To conduct an action research project focused on creating an enabling environment for social enterprise through addressing the demand and supply side in procurement

To develop the demand side through raising awareness of the social enterprise sector with public sector contractors

To support social enterprises across the West Midlands to become more proficient at procuring public and other services through a series of support actions. To improve the supply side through delivering a series of action learning events, training and mentoring activities for social enterprises.

To pilot the Dti Procurement Toolkit with public agencies and social enterprises in the West Midlands region.

To produce a report based on the action research experience.

Co-operation Black Country

DTA (West Midlands)

Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (Social Firms West Midlands)

The partnership is being supported by the West Midlands Social Economy Partnership (WMSEP)

Increased understanding of social enterprise delivery of public service by public sector agencies (local and health authorities) in the West Midlands region

Increased competence and expertise within the social enterprise sector in responding to procurement opportunities

A series of pilots on the demand and supply side

An action research report