Social enterprise means business in Stoke-on Trent and Staffordshire

Social enterprises make an important contribution to the economic growth of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and need to be an integral part of the local enterprise partnership, business representatives have been told.

Delegates from social enterprises across the region were able to find out more about how they can get involved with the LEP, bring in their expertise and get the support they need at an event this week.

The Social Enterprise Means Business event included speakers from the sector who were able to share their experiences, advice on accessing funding and the work of the LEP, networking opportunities and looking at closer working across different sectors to further improve the area’s economy.

Judith Kirkland, the LEP’s social enterprise lead, said: “Social enterprises have valuable part to play in growing the economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The LEP needs to be in contact with more organisations so that we know what they need and we in turn can offer the right support. We are gathering data about our social enterprises and it has been really encouraging to see so many people at this first event. It was also extremely useful to listen to the experiences of social entrepreneurs. We plan to hold more and I would urge social enterprise representatives to get in touch with us.”

Speakers at the event included Kevin Davis, chief executive of the Vine Trust, Brendon Fletcher-Chard of Staffordshire-based Task Works and Sara Williams from the North Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

People can find out more about future events by visiting stokestaffslep.org.uk/events or by calling the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002.