Social event of the year

8:33am Tuesday 20th February 2007

BUSINESS people and voluntary organisations will team up this week to discuss ways they can mutually help the region.

Business Link York and North Yorkshire has linked arms with the North Yorkshire Forum For Voluntary Organisations (NYFVO) to host the North Yorkshire Social Enterprise event, at Thirsk Racecourse, on Friday.

"In North Yorkshire alone, there are hundreds of social enterprises we know of – and lots we don’t."

Helen West

Anyone who has an interest in social enterprise is invited to attend the five-hour event, which starts at 9.30am, and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

So, what are social enterprises? Well London is full of them, such as Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Fifteen, The Big Issue and CaféDirect, the famous fair trade hot drinks company.

Helen West, Business Link's chief executive, said: "The textbook definition of social enterprise is a business trading for social purpose' but there is no such thing as a typical' social enterprise.

"In North Yorkshire alone, there are hundreds of social enterprises we know of - and a lot that we don't. The event aims to encourage as many of these organisations as possible to come along and meet other like-minded people."

On offer to social entrepreneurs, established social enterprises, regional businesses and local government, will be the opportunity to explore the possibilities it affords, gain a better understanding of what it is all about and explore ways of forging links between social enterprise and the business community.

Among the speakers will be Jackie Snape, acting chief executive of Harrogate-based Disability Action Yorkshire, which was declared the Yorkshire and Humber Social Enterprise Of The Year 2006.

Neil Irving, NYFVO chief executive, said: "Jackie and her team embody the social enterprise ethos perfectly.

"There are hundreds more examples across North Yorkshire - and we are keen to see their work recognised by, and integrated into, the regional business community."

For more information, or to book a place, phone the Business Link York and North Yorkshire information centre on 01904 686000.