Purpose
To represent social enterprise networks and individual social enterprises (or “community businesses”) based in, and/or operating within, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
The Social Enterprise Network works with Social Enterprise UK, VCSA, local authorities and other key stakeholders to develop a stronger base, raise the profile and support the growth of sustainable social enterprises.
Working collaboratively, we set an exciting shared vision for SEs in STW, to enhance and enable what SEs are best at:
- Employing local people, including underrepresented groups or individuals
- Having a strong positive social and environmental impact
- Being inclusive in decision-making
- Being outcomes-led
- Boosting the local economy.
It aims to:
- Raise awareness and understanding of social enterprise – educate, campaign and celebrate
- Support Social Businesses to gain competence, sustainability, share best practice, improve leadership
- Promote good practice
- Work with SEUK to bring about the formation and implementation of Social Enterprise Strategy and to regain/sustain our SE UK Social Enterprise Place Status
- Make links with local private sector organisations and network groups to promote the value of Social Enterprise economy
- Promote and showcase the work and success of local social enterprises through marketing and events
- inform and influence the relevance to the social enterprise sector
and specifically to help to -
o Foster a culture of social enterprise
o Ensure the right information and advice are available to social enterprises
o Enable social enterprises to have access to appropriate finance and funding
o Grow the sustainable social enterprise economy
o Increase access to local services
o Coordinate sector development and resourcing.
Chair: Nicky Downes, Social Heart CIC
Representative to the VCSA Board: Laura Atyeo, Open Harmony CIC