Focus on Blindness Enterprises Ltd (‘Focus on Business’) is the commercial arm of Birmingham Focus on Blindness, a registered charity located in Harborne, Birmingham, UK.
‘Focus on Business’ provides the training, commercial and project delivery services of the organisation, operating independently for the purposes of accounting. It is not restricted to the ‘core purpose’ of the parent organisation and is, therefore, able to undertake a wide range of practical, quality services across the West Midlands, UK and beyond.
All monies earned by ‘Focus on Business’ during the financial year are gifted back to the charity to enable it to continue to deliver its services.
Birmingham Focus on Blindness (‘Focus’)
For over 150 years, the Birmingham Royal Institute for the Blind provided support, care and education to those with a visual impairment in the city of Birmingham and surrounding areas. In 1998, the organisation was divided into 3 parts: Birmingham Focus on Blindness, Queen Alexandra College and New Outlook Housing.
Full background and information on trustees, fundraising and the services provided can be found at www.birminghamfocus.org.uk
Focus on Blindness Enterprises Ltd (‘Enterprises’)
‘Focus on Business’ (formerly known as ‘Enterprises) was established in 2000. It provides training services to individuals, other charitable organisations and the commercial sector. In addition, it offers commercial project and partnership delivery services, participating in research and delivery programmes (including European funded and Lottery funded projects), runs a virtual office service and is a leader in the development of corporate social responsibility activities with small and medium sized enterprises.
‘Focus on Business’ activities are overseen by Amanda Orchard, Director of Business Development, who can be contacted on 0121 478 5212 or at orcharda@birminghamfocus.org.uk
Values
Our organisation’s values are core to our working practice, approach and delivery. They are also integral to our relationships with each other and with others. They are:
Understanding
This includes, listening and empathising. It also covers the phrases to be client led in the delivery of services. We need to get continuous feedback on how we are doing and strive to always improve.
Caring
Compassionate, supportive and helping each other as part of the teams that make up the organisation.
Empowering
We will achieve potential, learn, experiment, improve, and enable people. That we strive to ensure we receive appropriate training and development in order to achieve the results and targets we have set.
We will make sure we share information within the organisation so individuals can take decisions and understand why decisions affecting them are taken.
Committed
To go the extra mile, to exceed expectations, to do things with enthusiasm. At the same time to balance this with flexibility and concern for the individual.
Open to new ideas
To bring in new ideas, to challenge what and how we do things today, to develop and change.
Professional
To be accountable, ensure we are economically viable and financially responsible. To be reliable, efficient and effective. To promote equality of opportunity. To recognise success and celebrate and recognise areas for improvement and make changes. We should have a passion to achieve. Equally we should look after each other so that we make our workloads manageable.
Integrity
This includes moral uprightness, honesty and trust as well as doing what you have said you will do coupled with respect for individuals and the team. You are encouraged to have free expression within the confines of the organisation’s policies and procedures. This value and Professionalism were considered by many to be two sides of the same coin and the two key values to guide the future of the organisation.
Enjoyment
We should aim to get satisfaction through our work, a sense of pride that we are making a difference and ensuring that although the work is important making sure we can have a sense of fun in our work and the work place.