Benefits of Membership

Network Meetings

Currently Links-Wales run monthly network meetings in South East Wales, and bi-monthly in South West. We are looking into ways in which this can be extended to North Wales in the near future. Network meetings are a chance for members to get together, share experiences and issues, and identify areas for cooperation. The format of meetings is:

• A round table discussion, in which each member in turn takes the lead and discusses his or her projects. This session tends to be very interactive, with suggestions of solutions, offers of help, or notes of potential to work together in the future.
• A guest speaker, demonstration or site visit
• Informal networking over tea and coffee or lunch.

An Outside Eye

A representative of Links-Wales will visit member organisations projects, and provide an independent, outsiders view. Frequently this results in identifications of ways in which projects can be helped on the road to sustainability, often by very minor, simple things. Sometimes this may feel like identification of the blindingly obvious, but as we all know, when you are very close to a project, the blindingly obvious may be anything but!

Facilitated introductions

As part of the visit above, Links-Wales may identify other organisations that are either doing the same thing, or something complimentary. In these circumstances, an introductory meeting will be brokered, between organisations. This can often help the newer organisation to avoid pitfalls and traps experienced by the other, potential for conflict or unnecessary competition to be avoided, joint trading or marketing relationships to be set up, or supply agreements entered into.

In-depth project support

At any time, Links-Wales will work with up to 5 projects in closer detail, providing input and guidance on funding, planning, re-start up advice and ultimately, where appropriate signposting to other support organisations such as Social Firms Wales, DTA, Wales Coop etc. who can provide more formal support into starting a business. Areas in which such help has been given in the past have included: Membership of steering committee, Chairing board, assistance with planning, document preparation etc., assisting with and where necessary fronting grant applications.

Marketing Members services

• Member Catalogue – this will provide each member with a page in which to describe what they do, any goods or services they sell, where they can trade and give contact details. This catalogue will be printed in colour, so photographs may be included. The first release of this catalogue is currently being prepared (March 2008) and subject to availability of funds we plan to release a new version annually.
• Web site - Links-Wales web site www.links-wales.org.uk will be going live in April 2008. In addition to containing information about Links, all members will be invited to provide information for inclusion. Links to members web sites will of course be included. This site will be growing and evolving during 2008, and it is intended to provide full on-line trading, allowing member's goods and services to be sold on-line, opening up a far larger market place.