Common Resources has been developed to benefit not-for-profit organisations existing between the private and public sectors, reducing their costs and increasing company flexibility.
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The Common Resources tool has four connected strands - coordinate, communicate, collaborate and capacity - and demonstrates the strength of collective ventures within the social economy. Their web site enables organisations to access their own virtual office, complete with company calendar and messaging service. Allowing employees and volunteers to work from home, this web tool may lead to social benefits such as pollution reduction prompted by a decrease in commuter traffic. Online forums and notice boards allow Common Resources members to co-ordinate funding bids, share knowledge and pass on advice.
|  Common Resources members at the Great Manchester Run |
Common Resources will negotiate the best prices from suppliers as it buys in bulk for members. Pooling the collective purchasing power of associate organisations, the scheme will agree significant discounts on printing, telephony and office supplies. Members can apply for grants from the Common Fund, a financial resource built from 1.5% of revenue generated by Common Resources, which aims to develop the capacity of voluntary and community organisations on a practical level, covering costs such as conference tickets and training fees.
Common Resources (0161 228 2783, rowan.atkins@nornir.co.uk)