Partner Article

Students and business expert team up to support Macclesfield children’s support organisation

Students and a Cheshire business expert have teamed up to provide “invaluable support” to a Macclesfield company that assists children with special educational needs.

EDGE Inclusion Partners, which provides support services to children and families with complex care and educational needs, benefitted from free assistance after teaming up with third-sector support organisation Cheshire Connect.

The not-for-profit company received business advice from Kevin Cook of SME support group Business Doctors and graphic design expertise from students at Macclesfield College.

Cheshire Connect, which provides a ‘matching’ service between charities and Cheshire businesses, helps good causes access free professional services and expertise, such as business planning, marketing and accounting.

The college students drew up a revamped logo for the community interest company and are currently working on a new website www.edgeinc.co.uk, while Kevin provided expert advice on how to further develop EDGE Inclusion Partners.

Sarah Rawsthorn, director of EDGE Inclusion Consultancy, said the support had been “of immense value”.

Sarah said: “The invaluable support provided by Cheshire Connect has already made a real difference to EDGE Inclusion Services.

“The students at Macclesfield College have been tremendous to work with. The group designed a new logo which will now be on all of our literature, and we’re now working together to design graphics for our website, which also look fantastic.

“The work also forms part of their coursework, so it really is a win-win situation and has been of great value to us.

“Kevin meanwhile really helped me to re-focus on the goals and aspirations that I have for EDGE Inclusion Partners and we hope to use that expertise to help more families and children across Cheshire.”

Donna Okell, chief executive of Cheshire Connect, said: “The way all three organisations have worked together on a mutually beneficial project is a fantastic example of what Cheshire Connect is looking to achieve.

“We’re keen to do everything we can to help organisations like EDGE Inclusion Partners access free help and support from Cheshire’s best and brightest businesses.”

If you or your business are able to make a donation or can spare some of your time to help local charities whilst developing your own skills, please contact Cheshire Connect on: 01244 688436 or email donnaokell@cheshireconnect.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .