Community Interest Companies in Cornwall UK Google map
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Social Traders has launched a Google map showing the locations of Cornwall's 80 Community Interest Companies (CICs). CICs are limited companies created to benefit communities rather than generate private profit. The map is intended to help local residents find and support CICs in their area, as these social enterprises provide services like tourism, arts, and fitness while creating jobs and opportunities. It can be accessed at www.bit.ly/cicmap and will be updated regularly to showcase Cornwall's growing social enterprise sector.
Community Interest Companies in Cornwall UK Google map
- 1. Press Release: Monday 17th May 2010 Community Interest Companies now on Cornwall Google map Social Traders, the social enterprise marketing consultants based in St Austell, has just launched a Google map showing all of Cornwalls eighty Community Interest Companies in a partnership project with Cornwall Rural Community Council. Community Interest Companies, also known as CICs, are limited companies created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage. Over the last three years there has been a significant growth in the number of CICs being registered with Companies House. Cornwall is already known for world class social enterprises, including the Eden Project, Fifteen Restaurant and Shelterbox, but the new growth in these kind of businesses, that put people and planet before profit, appears to come from CICs. Community Interest Companies based in Cornwall are providing a valuable range of services to the tourism industry and local communities ranging from surf schools, sailing, martial arts, photography, film production, educational resources, art galleries and fitness centres. In addition CICs contribute to the Cornish economy by creating hundreds of new jobs as well as opportunities for local volunteering.
- 2. Bob Northey, Director of Social Traders, created the Google map using the internet search giants mapping tools that enable internet users to zoom in on locations using the latest satellite imagery and in many areas enjoy 360 degree views of the neighbourhood. He said I wanted to create a single map for the people of Cornwall to find and support their local Community Interest Companies. After all, these businesses started with the express aim of bringing community benefit. Now that most people have access to the internet at home, at their local library or even on their smart phones, finding out about CICs through Google maps is literally at our fingertips.
- 3. The map is hosted by Google can be found on the internet at www.bit.ly/cicmap and there are lots of links to CIC websites allowing customers and the chance to check out the services and facilities on offer. The map, that will be regularly updated, should also be a valuable resource for Cornwalls schools and colleges enabling students to learn more about local social enterprise. Over the next few weeks Social Traders will be marketing the map through local media and the internet. Cornwall Rural Community Council provide advice to anyone wishing to find out more about starting a Community Interest Company. Enquires can be made to Chris Hassall, Community Enterprise Officer (Tel: 01872 273952 or email: chris.hassall@cornwallrcc.co.uk) Contact for more information: Bob Northey, Director, Social Traders St Austell, Cornwall Mobile: 07803 193388 Email: bob.northey@socialtraders.org Web: www.socialtraders.org