Organisers of York’s Festival of Social Enterprise say the event has got off to a flying start.
The event, organised by the University of York, began last Friday (24th) and it runs until Friday November 7.
With two more events in the coming fortnight, the festival promises to turn inspiration into impact, driving real change across communities and sectors.
Buyers, policymakers and community leaders from across the country will come together joining key voices from the heart of government, the university says.
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The festival opened with a hands-on Skills Day at The Milner Hotel, where social entrepreneurs and community leaders explored how to craft stories that inspire, influence and build lasting partnerships.
Sam Gardner, Director of Enterprise Works and organiser of the festival, said: “There’s a real appetite for change in York and social enterprises are leading the way.
“The first event showed the incredible work being undertaken in communities by our social enterprises. It’s critical that this work is given greater visibility to show their true value to our region.
“Now we’re going to build on that momentum. The next two events are about action - connecting buyers with purpose-driven suppliers as well as working with civic leaders to embed social value into the city’s future.”
The next event, taking place on Monday November 3 at Priory Street Centre, is a Partnerships Day designed to help social enterprises and buyers forge meaningful collaborations.
The interactive “Meet the Buyer” session will be headlined by Kate Welch OBE, a serial social entrepreneur and founder of Social Enterprise Acumen CIC, who will share insights on creating partnerships that last.
Then on Friday November 7, the festival culminates in a Policy Day, exploring how York can embed social enterprise into growth and regeneration strategies.
Headline speakers include:
•Leading York-based social entrepreneurs - Lisa Green (Door 84), Sue Williamson (Tang Hall SMART), Tim Bleszynski (Art of Protest Projects) and Sam Leach (Spark CIC)
•Patrick Hurley MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Social, Cooperative and Community Economy
•Social enterprise specialist Devi Clark, from Social Enterprise UK
•Rachael Maskell MP, Member of Parliament for York Central
•Cllr Peter Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council
•Neil Berry, Head of Programmes, Access Foundation for Social Investment
The Festival of Social Enterprise is free to attend and open to everyone. Local businesses, public sector leaders and community members are encouraged to take part.
For details and to register, go to: https://www.york.ac.uk/enterprise-works/social-enterprise/york-festival-social-enterprise/
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