Published: November 13, 2018
More than 150 of Birmingham’s most influential ‘social enterprises’ are due to attend a special networking event (on Thursday) to recognise Birmingham being awarded ‘Social Enterprise City’ status.
Birmingham, which has the largest number of social enterprises outside of London, has been given the accolade by Social Enterprise UK, the UK’s leading voice for social enterprises, following an application spearheaded by iSE.
Held on ‘National Social Enterprise Day’ (Thursday, 15 November), the iSE led event will include a ‘social value marketplace’ showcasing some of Birmingham’s most socially responsible businesses and organisations.
The event is supported by Birmingham-based Unity Trust Bank, a commercial bank with a social conscience who helps businesses and organisations to prosper and contribute to economic, community and social change.
The fully booked event will feature speeches from:
– Sarah Crawley (CEO, iSE)
– Claire Dove (Crown Representative for the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Sector)
– Peter Holbrook CBE (CEO, Social Enterprise UK)
– Margaret Willis (CEO, Unity Trust Bank)
Sarah Crawley, CEO of i-SE, said: “iSE are delighted to be part of a city-wide partnership to make Birmingham an even better place for social entrepreneurs and change-makers. Social Enterprise City status has given us the opportunity to collaborate on an ambitious strategy to help ensure Birmingham’s future as a centre for social enterprise”.
Margaret Willis, CEO of Unity Trust Bank, who is hosting the launch in the bank’s new premises in Four Brindleyplace, added: “As a bank who supports businesses and organisations who want to make a social difference, we see this event an important milestone in the city’s development. We’re really looking forward to attending the evening and supporting iSE as they showcase all that is great about social enterprises in the city.”
