Alderley Edge features prominently in a new Thinkpiece which has just been published by local consultancy Bearhunt.
Founder Malcolm McClean said "It became clear to me during the election campaign that Conservative politicians had little idea what their big new idea – Big Society – actually meant. We've been working for over ten years with some of our most radical social entrepreneurs and to me, these people offer the clues to what Big Society can mean and how it can work".
The Thinkpiece demonstrates how to do what these people do instinctively, using some simple tools such as the Opportunity Map like the one shown here for Alderley Edge. Malcolm adds "There's so much focus on needs and problems, when a slight change of perspective can completely change the way the world looks. Just look at the opportunities in this village alone. As the government begins to roll back the state we can either wallow in self pity or see it as an amazing opportunity"
The Thinkpiece Underground Overground: How small things can make Big Society can be downloaded here. You may also find some hard copies in Costa Coffee.
One of the ideas behind the Opportunity Map is that it creates local debate. If you think there are things missing from our map we would be delighted to get your comments via alderleyedge.com.
