About REFLEX
REFLEX was a local partnership led by the London Borough of Islington and part supported through the EQUAL ESF programme. It developed a model to support enterprises initiated by communities who have experienced social exclusion in the labour market. Key to the model is the direct involvement of community organisations and the provision of a high standard of support to enterprises.
The REFLEX partnership produced some key tools and research, to view click
here (link to the resource library)
The essence of Reflex model is to develop the capacity of community organisations to enable them to support and advise businesses generated by their communities. Reflex enabled organisations to employ Community Based Business Advisers and to develop their capacity to support enterprises and entrepreneurs. The accessibility of advisers and flexibility of Reflex produced a highly effective model that can be developed by other partnerships.
The Reflex model has attracted attention from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Government Office for London, London Development Agency, the Social Inclusion Unit and the Small Business Services. The European Commission now quotes REFLEX as an exemplar in terms of innovative practice developed through the reflex model..