Business Broker Network

Membership of the network is open to anyone whose role (or part of their role) is to engage businesses in cross-sector partnership initiatives designed to regenerate deprived neighbourhoods or support the voluntary and community sectors. Examples of members include:

• Neighbourhood Renewal Funded brokers;
• New Deal for Communities project managers;
• managers of business representative organisations;
• business forums and business action groups;
• European funded regeneration partnership managers;
• business and voluntary sector organisations working to regenerate local neighbourhoods including those running employee volunteering partnerships.

There are dedicated networks for managers of Cares (employee volunteering) and ProHelp (free professional services) programmes. Please see the relevant national managers for details of these networks.

The Business Broker Network has developed around the Business Broker pilot programme. Originally a forum for the pilot brokers to meet and share their experiences, the network has now expanded to include others working in similar roles employed outside of the pilot areas. The aim of the Partnership Academy is to grow the network and provide a forum for sharing knowledge, experience and good practice in brokering partnership and engaging businesses in regeneration.

• Four network meetings a year. Venue varies and is agreed by members. Meetings provide a forum to: discuss issues around partnership working; meet others from around the country dealing with similar issues; raise issues and ideas that can be developed into support materials; and influence and consult on policy developments affecting regeneration and private sector involvement.
• A monthly newsletter covering latest news, events, research and publications in regeneration and business community partnerships as well as the latest developments in public policy and funding streams.
• Profile on the Partnership Academy website. In addition there is the opportunity to profile the work of the broker in a variety of publications.
• National tools and support materials based on good practice examples from around the country to support brokerage and partnership working. Network members will receive discounts on any publications with a cost attached.
• Helpdesk: Partnership Academy staff are available to answer ad-hoc queries and members are free to use the service within limits. If a network member requires a significant amount of support then this will be discussed on and agreed on a one-to-one basis.

A dedicated web-based 'library' is available on the Resources for Brokers page to allow network members to share information and documents.

£650 (+VAT) per member per year. Brokers will need to cover their own travel and any accommodation costs related to meetings.

A Business Engagement course is available for all those interested in improving their skills in this area.  For more details please contact Susan Hinchcliffe or phone 020 7566 8650.

If you are interested in joining the Business Brokers Network please contact the Partnership Academy Manager on 020 7566 8784 or email The Partnership Academy with your name, job title, organisation, telephone number, email and brief outline of your role/why you would like to join.