THREE Third Sector Interfaces across Forth Valley have rallied behind the launch of a new online directory of social enterprises.

Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise and CVS Falkirk have got behind the new enterprise after noting how the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the value in buying local goods that come with community, social and environmental benefits and to meet that demand and interest in social enterprises.

The directory is easy to use with a list of categories and embedded with key words that makes searching easy.

There are maps, directions and links to websites, Facebook pages and other social media services listed within each listing along with photos of their work.

Anthea Coulter, chief officer at CTSI, said: “We are delighted to have collaborated to create an easy and innovative way that people, businesses and organisations can search with ease to find local social enterprises.

“This will allow people to have the assurance that the services or goods they are purchasing are not only based locally but also have community benefits.

“We hope that the directory will be an excellent way to build the local economic outcomes of the area.”

The directory is open to new social enterprises from Clackmannanshire, Stirling or Falkirk which have an asset lock constitution and no private gain.

The enterprises will benefit from signing up as free members of the local TSI along with joining the FVSEN and the directory.

Mary Houston, general manager of Alloa Community Enterprises, added: “This will be a great way for us to connect wider to a larger regional area.

“The directory can build more awareness of the value of social enterprises and encourage people to buy local and social which can only be good for the area.”

Visit fvsen.scot or ctsi.org.uk for more information.