BUSINESSES have been asked to lend their time and expertise to charities in York.

York Cares, which links businesses with local community and voluntary organisations, has launched the Enterprise Hub For Charities as community and voluntary groups face both cuts to funding and reorganisation to find new income streams.

Businesses were asked to donate their time to help deliver strategy and business planning workshops for charities looking to change direction, share their expertise in project and financial management, marketing, HR and law and to mentor university students undertaking charity internships.

Angela Harrison, chief executive of York Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) said: “We know that times are changing. Local and national government funding streams are reducing and charitable trusts and foundations have less investment income to distribute. At the same time, local government is looking at new ways of delivering public services and there could be new opportunities for some groups to expand their activities.”

John Lister, chairman of York Cares, said: “Business has a unique role to play in promoting an enterprise culture among the community and voluntary sector and providing organisations with the expertise and practical support to help them grow income generating activities.”

York Cares demonstrated what its employee volunteers and students achieved in community organisations at a presentation for about 80 business people at a launch event held at Aviva.