Social Enterprise Network Newsletter 12 October 2009

• Social Enterprise Network and Northwest Financial Solutions hosted the first in a series of financial workshops for social enterprises last week! Kevin and Syed hosted a very informative and engaging workshop designed to give social entrepreneurs a clear idea of financial themes and reporting systems. If you would like to take part in the next financial workshop for social enterprises click here.
• Social Enterprise Network, along with many others, will be in attendance at the Step Clever Advice and Networking Event this month. Have a look below at the local news for more information!
• The SEN Marketplace Directory is continuing to expand, but we would like everyone to be involved! If you are a member of SEN then why not join the Marketplace?
• The 'Research' section of our website has once again been updated with even more social enterprise information. Plenty of free downloadable advice to help you run your social enterprise more effectively. Take a look!
• The main body of our e-newsletter, has now been split into two parts, Local and National. If you have any news or events that you would like to contribute, simply send us an e-mail.

Step Clever Advice and Networking Event
Step Clever are to host an 'Advice and Networking Event' on Monday 19th October 2009 from 11:00am to 2:30pm in Bootle, Liverpool. The event is aimed at budding social entrepreneurs who are looking at taking their first steps into the world of social enterprise.

For more details and to book your place at this event, click here.

Tendering and Procurement Support Service to be launched...
Friday 30th October sees the launch of a new Tendering and Procurement Support Service (TaPS) aimed at third sector organisations. The event is to be held at Aintree Racecourse Conference Centre, with a large number of speakers confirmed.

For further details and to book your place at this event, click here.

'Ignite Course' Awareness event
Following on from the success of their first 'Ignite' course, South Sefton Development Trust will be running the course once again. An awareness event is to be held on Wednesday 21st October at Sefton OPERA to inform potential entrepreneurs of the benefits of the Ignite programme. 

To access the flyer and booking information for this event, click here.

Non-executive Directors sought at NEET Futures CIC
NEET Futures is a community interest company providing training services to commercial and third sector clients. With a keen ambition to expand their existing NVQ, ICT, Security, Hospitality and Personal development programmes, the Board of Directors are looking to appoint a number of non-executive directors to assist in the business development process.

Click here to find out more about becoming a non-executive director.

Kuumba Imani October Half Term Play Scheme
The Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre is running an October half-term play scheme. The Millennium Centre has its own Children's Zone providing OFSTED regulated, fully qualified childcare and play workers in a happy, safe, warm environment for children to play and learn.

For further details on the play scheme, click here.

Finalists announced for the 2009 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards
Northwest social enterprises are amongst the finalists of the 2009 Morgan Foundation awards. The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards, are awarded to trailblazing businesses, entrepreneurs who work within social enterprises or charities and to the best social enterprises based in the North West.

Find out more by clicking here.

Free Courses and Workshops from Liverpool Academy for Sustainable Enterprise
Liverpool Academy for Sustainable Enterprise (L.A.S.E.) are offering a range of free short courses and workshops throughout the months of October and November. The courses are primarily aimed at social enterprises and cover a wealth of topics including public sector procurement, entrepreneurial development, social impact and more...

For full listings and details, click here.

Brava Design launch 'Bagsyit' online
Liverpool Social Enterprise, Brava Design, have given 'Bagsyit', a new eco-friendly carrier bag concept, an on-line presence, with the launch of a new website. Launched by two entrepreneurs, Emma Henderson and Nicky Pittaway, Bagsyit produces re-usable bags from recycled materials, in an attempt to cut down our reliance on plastic bags.

To read more about Bagsyit and to view their new website, click here.

Job Vacancies at Rochdale and District 'Mind'
Rochdale and District 'Mind' is a thriving third sector organisation delivering local services to individuals who experience mental distress. Rochdale and District 'Mind' are currently seeking to recruit committed individuals into 3 posts.

To view further details, click here.


National News and Events

Conservative's to 'pay Social Enterprises by results'
The spotlight has been turned onto the world of social enterprise at a Conservative party fringe event. Oliver Letwin MP has outlined a vision involving social enterprises successfully delivering public services without the intervention of central or local government. Letwin has summed up his proposals stating 'Our idea is that you pay by results and allow the social enterprise to find its own way of doing it, which reflects its own ethos.

Click here to continue reading this article.


Social Entrepreneurs in the NHS
Can social enterprise be used to effectively reduce ill health? Is social enterprise the radical, sustainable business model that can transform health care services? With the first social entrepreneur 'embedded' in the NHS currently looking at radical ways of tapping community and staff knowledge to tackle health inequalities and prevent illness, social and political observers are keen to see if the social enterprise model could form the future of public service provision.

Click here to continue reading this article.

Council cuts an opportunity for Social Enterprise?
Proposed spending cuts over the next few years (with many spectators predicting as much as a third slashed from council budgets as early as next year) could see Council funding across the country dramatically effected, with services such as social care, health and education feeling the greatest impact. Prominent social entrepreneur Craig Dearden-Phillips views this as an opportunity for the third sector and social businesses...

To learn more about how funding cuts could benefit social enterprise, click here.

A guide to social enterprises and the Law
When it comes to forming a Social Enterprise, establishing the legal status of your enterprise can be a daunting affair. Be it an industrial and provident society, community interest company or a company limited by guarantee, there can be considerable confusion about the best route to take for your social enterprise venture.

To find out more about the various legal frameworks surrounding social enterprises, click here.

Social Enterprise Coalition to host 'Manifesto Workshops'
In the run up to the next general election, the Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) will be producing a 'social enterprise manifesto'. The Coalition are keen to hear your thoughts and ideas on what they should ask from the political parties.

To continue reading this article, click here.

SEN Member Profile
Here at SEN we are dedicated to promoting and supporting our member organisations. We would like to devote this part of our e-newsletter to the work of different member organisation every month. If you would like your organisation to be featured in the newsletter, get in touch!



We can post recruitment notices, events and bulletins free of charge for SEN members. E-mail matthew.donnelly@sen.org.uk for inclusion.