Previous News
Networks1st Update: 21st November 2008
Yesterday`s Ceilidh proved a great success. Over 100 folk turned up and early feedback has been very positive. The Dragons` Den was won this year by Our Power (Cairndow, Argyll) for their new micro hydro-electric scheme. That’s three in a row for Argyll and Bute SEN - there must be something in the water up there. An added bonus was mentoring support from the Dragons. We’re all a bit jaded today so a full report will follow next week. Here’s a list of those who attended http://www.senscot.net/view_art.php?viewid=7682...more
Networks1st Update: 14th November 2008
This year`s Ceilidh sees a new activity - Online Networking. With the help of John Cant from The Melting Pot, we`re setting up an `online networking page` for people to use prior to the event - and also for those who can’t make it on the day. The idea is to connect with fellow social entrepreneurs before, during and after the event with a view to...more
Networks1st Update: 7th November 2008
This year`s Ceilidh is now FULL! There may be the odd Day Delegate place left but you'll need to contact Victoria ASAP if you haven't booked yet (victoria@senscot.net). Interest in this year's event has been higher than ever and we would like to thank RBS and the Scottish Government for backing the event again. ...more
Networks1st Update: 31th October 2008
This year’s Ceilidh programme is now complete! (see link) The format is similar to last year, starting off with Question Time that will include contributions from Fiona Malcolm (Scottish Govt) on the impending £12m Enterprise Fund and Gerry Higgins (CEiS) offering his personal take on where our sector should hope to be three years from now. An Audience with has presentations from Claire Carpenter (The Melting Pot), Frankie Hodge (Re-Cycle Fife) and Dave Simmers (Community Food Initiative North East). In the evening, pre-dinner speeches include the usual turn from Laurence as well as a guest appearance from Mel Young from the Homeless World Cup and the founding chair of Senscot...more
Networks1st Update: 24th October 2008
Places at this year's Social Enterprise Ceilidh are filling up fast, so if you've got it in your diary but not booked yet because 'it's still ages away', take a moment now and fill in your booking form or you might miss out. There's a maximum 120 places at the event, which gathers some of Scotland's best known social entrepreneurs and welcomes newer faces in a packed programme, including Questions Time, An Audience With .. and of course the Dragon's Den (which is now full)...more
Networks1st Update: 17th October 2008
Bookings for this year's Dragon's Den are mounting up – we`ve got 8 applications so far - but there's still time to get your application in. As usual, we only have five places available in the Den and, with an increased prize of £5,000, this year's selection process will have to be stricter. Deadline for applications to the Den is this Monday, 20th of October...more
Networks1st Update: 10th October 2008
This year sees an increase in the Dragon's Den Prize - now £5,000. A reminder as well that this year participants can get some ` Den Coaching` with Jay Lamb, winner of the first ever Dragon's Den for Re-Union Canal Boats in 2005 and now a member of the Firstport Team. Previous winners have done pretty well out of the Den. Re-Union now has its berth in the centre of Edinburgh, Green C Kayaks has just launched its new company and Recycle Fife who won the Audience prize in 2006 is on the verge of moving into its new purpose built premises....more
Networks1st Update: 3rd October 2008
Green C Kayaks launched their newly formed company this week - two years after winning the Dragons Den at the Social Enterprise Ceilidh.. David McBride and Julie Belasco won £4000 after pitching to the Dragons to develop the idea as part of their work with TACT Scotland. Since then, the team has designed the kayaks, provided work placements, started production and are researching options to make kayaks out of recycled materials. ...more
Networks1st Update: 26th September 2008
Fife SEN members The Ecology Centre (winners of the Business Bingo event at the Fringe Forum last month) are in the mix for up to £500,000 as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Primetime programme on the BBC. A total of £3 million is in the pot, split into six regional areas, whittled down from an original 149 applications . Julie Samuel and Ronnie Mackie will get their chance to tell us and the rest of Scotland why we should vote for the Ecology Centre on 29 September 8pm, BBC TWO Scotland....more
Networks1st Update: 19th September 2008
This year's Social Enterprise Ceilidh is open for bookings. Every year over 100 people attend the event at New Lanark, 80% of them active social entrepreneurs. This year we'd like to get applications for the Dragon's Den event in early, so we can provide the entrants with some pre `Den` practice, so if you've got a good idea that you'd like to get off the ground fill in an application form. Attached are booking forms for Ceilidh, Dragons` Den and Soap Box. ...more
Networks1st Update: 12th September 2008
People are already sending in advanced bookings for this year's Ceilidh on 20th November at New Lanark. This will be the fourth national gathering of the Local and Thematic Social Enteprise Networks. The Ceilidh has grown in popularity over the years so, to avoid disappointment, get your booking in early. This year, we're getting the Dragon's Den application forms out as early as we can. ...more
Networks1st Update: 5th September 2008
The Social Enterprise Fringe Forum got off to a great start with a healthy turnout for the debate on the Social Enterprise Mark which is being developed by RISE in South West England as an identity for social enterprises, and the pros and cons of not sitting on the fence any more. This was followed by a 'knowledge cafe' event with conversations on SROI, community led regeneration and asset management, the importance of learning to improve outcomes and recycling and international networking. The day ended with a party at the Bongo Club. ...more
Networks1st Update: 29th August 2008
Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network members are gearing up for their biggest week yet, playing a staring role at the inaugural Social Enterprise World Forum. There will be a series of visits on the opening day, 2nd of September, with many of them to Edinburgh SEN members including Re-Union, The Bike Station and Edinburgh Cyrenians. The Network also has a table at the Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening and, thanks to sponsorship by Edinburgh Council, the Network will have a presence throughout the event with an Edinburgh SEN stand, so make sure you drop in and say hello....more
Networks1st Update: 22nd August 2008
News this week about the first topic of the 3 Social Enterprise Fringe events on 4th of September. Momentum appears to be growing behind the Social Enterprise Kite Mark being developed by RISE with plans afoot to combine Social Firms UK's ’star mark' with the Kite Mark brand. This is obviously going to be an important issue with social enterprises becoming an ever more popular way of doing business. If you'd like to hear more about the Kite Mark from Lucy Findlay of RISE or attend the Common Ground event later in the afternoon make sure you book a place...more
Networks1st Update: 15th August 2008
For those who are aren't able to make it to the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh from 2-5th of September, why not come along the Fringe Forum. Three events in 3 social enterprise venues across Edinburgh including 'A Social Enterprise Kite mark' at The Melting Pot, 'Common Ground' looking at a variety of topics including SROI, recycling and community led regeneration at Dance Base in the Grass Market and big party to finish off with at Edinburgh's famous Bongo Club...more
Networks1st Update: 8th August 2008
The first Social Enterprise Network meeting took place over 4 years ago in Fife at Furniture Plus. Thirteen of us turned up to debate how to move things forward but there and no real map for the road ahead. Things have moved on a bit since then and there are now 18 Networks both local and thematic around the country and they have been included in the Scottish Government' Enterprising Third Sector Strategy. The next stage of development will see ...more
Networks1st Update: 1st August 2008
Clackmannanshire Social Enterprise Network has successfully secured 2 sponsored places for the Social Enterprise World Forum from their Local Social Economy Partnership. This will enable the Network to have at least 4 members of the Network attending the event. For those thinking of going, a couple of highlights from the inaugural Social Enterprise World Forum include Sophi Tranchell - Divine Chocolate, the 2007 Social Enterprise of the Year in the UK, operating in...more
Networks1st Update: 25th July 2008
In September, Scotland host's the first Social Enterprise World Forum. Edinburgh SEN have received a massive boost in the form of sponsorship from Edinburgh Council which will see them have a stand at the event. CEiS have put together a fantastic 4 day programme that is tempting people from as far away as New Zealand and...more
Networks1st Update: 18th July 2008
`Aspire to Enterprise` - the programme providing a range of Business Support Services to ambitious, developing social enterprises in Lowland Scotland – is now moving into the second half of the pilot period. Of 34 enquiries to date, 26 have been approved to receive business support services – 10 of which are members of LSENs. The response across the country has been ...more
Networks1st Update: 11th July 2008
Last Friday saw the second of a series of meetings organised by the Glasgow SEN. The re-emergence of the Glasgow SEN has been one of the most significant developments of recent months in terms of Network activity and much of the credit for this is due to Susan Aktemel at Impact Arts who has had to do much of the leg work. Six meetings have been scheduled through until the end of the year and Susan has managed to secure sponsors for the first 3 events. RBS hosted the ...more
Networks1st Update: 4th July 2008
Since April, Senscot has been looking to step up its work in supporting the Networks. This has been helped hugely by the arrival of Anna Roscoe. We are now able to attend more meetings and also to arrange visits to individual social enterprises. Main events for the year are taking shape with the Ceilidh (20th Nov), `Fit for Purpose` (3rd March) and Social Enterprise `Fringe` (4th Sept). Over the summer, we will be exploring ...more
Networks1st Update: 27th June 2008
We hear this week that Edinburgh SEN is to work with CEiS on the Social Enterprise World Forum. Delegates will be given guided tours by a team of Edinburgh's social enterprise leaders on Tuesday 2nd of September. In exchange for their hard work Edinburgh SEN will gain 10 invites to the Forum and are working to be ready with a top quality marketing strategy for a stand at the event. We would encourage all the SENs to get in touch with their ...more
Networks1st Update: 20th June 2008
Got confirmation on dates for this year`s `Fit for Purpose` Conference looking at health and social enterprise. The event will take place on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 at The Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Shona Robison (Minister for Public Health) has accepetd our invitation to be the keynote speaker. Senscot is looking to work with Network members over the...more
Networks1st Update: 13th June 2008
Good news from Dumfries and Galloway. Chick McKenna tells us that in addition to the £15,000 per year for the Network, social enterprise has been confirmed as part of the Local Authority`s Economic Development Strategy and also part of the Single Outcome Agreement. This means that for the next 3 years, there will be a big push on which bodes well for local social enterprises. http://www.senscot.net/view_art.php?viewid=7307 Thursday 19th sees a meeting of the Health and Community Care SEN at Manor Place, Edinburgh 1-4pm. This is an important meeting to discuss the round table event with the Government at the end of August leading up to the third `Fit for Purpose`, Social Enterprise and Health ...more
Networks1st Update: 6th June 2008
The first Social Enterprise World Forum takes place in Edinburgh from 2-5 September, making Scotland a focal point for social entrepreneurs all over the world. Senscot are working on an idea to take advantage of all the interest this is going to generate so as many members of the LSENs as possible can take advantage of it. We mentioned last week that CEiS have asked the LSEPs to sponsor places for social enterprises. If you don't get a bursary and you can't afford the fee then there will be the `Fringe`on...more
Networks1st Update: 30th May 2008
Anna`s first full week with Senscot draws to a close. Here's what she's got to say about it all so far: My first week with Senscot has been varied; a small insight into my time ahead working with everyone. I have already had a couple of visits to social enterprises on the ground, as well as attend the Edinburgh and Clackmannanshire SEN meetings. Thank you to everybody for making me feel really welcome. I look forward to meeting you over the next couple of months as I...more
Networks1st Update: 23rd May 2008
On Wednesday I attended a dinner hosted by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) in partnership with the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC) to launch the publication of a Community of Business. Around 50 folk from public, private and the third sector were invited to hear John Swinney talk about his thoughts on the opportunities for the three sectors to work together. He gave a great pitch on the Government's vision for everyone in Scotland to be...more
Networks1st Update: 16th May 2008
Returned from the sunshine of the Italian Rivera to our mixed bag of weather on Sunday. What did I learn? Don't worry, rather than bore you all with it, I'll write something up and anyone interested can read it. This Tuesday, I attended a meeting about the £40 million to be released from dormant accounts (£4 mill per year after that), which will be Scotland's share of the Unclaimed Assets money. Jim Mather wants the Third Sector...more
Networks1st Update: 9th May 2008
While Laurence has been sunning himself in Andalucia, I’ve been traipsing the highways and byways of Berlin and Genoa. It’s been hard going but the weather’s been a bonus. What has been most striking is the contrast in the nature of social enterprises between the...more
Networks1st Update: 2nd May 2008
First glance this week at our new web portal for the Networks - NETWORKS 1st.The idea will be to pull together the information held on the main website into a more streamlined format and make it easier to find out who's who in the Networks, exchange resources and generally connect everyone up. There’s still a bit of work to be done over the coming weeks but, please, feel free to contact us with any events we can highlight or resources you'd be happy to share with other Networks. ...more
Networks1st Update: 25th April 2008
Attended the 3rd S2S Trade Fair this week in Dundee. The change of venue from Perth to Dundee was in response to growing demand from the sector. Jim Mather (Minister for Enterprise) talked up the opportunities opening up for the sector over the next three years and his confidence in our ability to link to their ambitions and to thrive and grow in the new climate of enterprise for the Third Sector....more
Networks1st Update: 18th April 2008
Next Tuesday sees the third S2S (http://www.s2stradefair.com) this time in Dundee. This is the biggest trade fair on the social enterprise calendar in Scotland so we're looking forward to seeing loads of you there. Some will already have your own stand at the event but for those who don't there will be a Networks 1st stand available. We've already had interest from members in Aberdeen, Dumfries & Galloway and Bordes SENs,...more
Networks1st Update: 11th April 2008
As agreed at the last Networks` Rep meeting, Senscot have booked a Stand at S2S to give Social Enterprise Networks, who aren't able to get one of their own, a presence at Scotland's biggest social enterprise trade fair. We expect there will be space for around 5 different SENs to share the Stand. There may be an opportunity for those on the Stand to access reduce delegate fees, so if you haven't booked already let us know. Any Social Enterprise Network who would like to take advantage of the Networks 1st Stand should contact colin@senscot.net...more
Networks1st Update: 4th April 2008
This week saw what was supposed to be the offical handover to local authorities of responsibility for local business support and economic development functions. Many Network members are still unclear about what will be happening. The stories coming back to us vary quite dramatically between those Councils who are being pro-active in trying to ensure a smooth transition and offering particular support to their local SENs and their members and others that are waiting for the dust to settle before making any decisions on the future. ...more
Networks1st Update: 28th March 2008
Last week we mentioned that Senscot has been awarded almost £300k over three years to continue its work in support of the Local Social Enterprise Networks (LSENs). Part of these monies will enable us to recruit a new Network Development Officer....more
Networks1st Update: 20th March 2008
Last Friday 12 people made it along to the 2nd SEN Reps meeting, which took place at Community Central Hall in Maryhill Rd, Glasgow. The Reps heard Senscot's plans for the £294,000 the Scottish Government has provided for Senscot's role in supporting the Networks over the next 3 years....more
Networks1st Update: 14th March 2008
Today saw the 2nd LSEN Reps meeting taking place in Glasgow. These events will take place on a quarterly basis and will be an opportunity for members of the different Networks to come together and look at some of the wider issues facing the Networks and their members...more
Networks1st Update: 7th March 2008
Senscot has been successful in bidding for funds to help facilitate the development of Social Enterprise Networks over the next 3 years.This ...more
Networks1st Update: 29th February 2008
Just back from Voice 08 in Liverpool with a bunch from the Networks. The venue was the new Echo Arena Conference Centre at the Docks. This was the first event to grace this impressive 'state of the art' venue, which is in keeping with Jonathan Bland's (CEO of SEC UK) new line on the Coalition's need to 'take some risks'. ...more
Networks1st Update: 22nd February 2008
Whilst the picture for social enterprise at a national level is looking positive, at a local level the picture is far more uncertain. A number of Network members have been in contact relaying stories that suggest difficulties may lie ahead. ...more
Networks1st Update: 15th February 2008
A group of 20 SEN members are heading for Voice 08 in Liverpool on 26th of February. While down there we're planning to meet up and learn a bit about folks running Social Enterprise Networks in England like NESEP (www.nesep.co.uk) and SEWM (www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk). ...more
Networks1st Update: 8th Februrary 2008
This week saw the first `Community of Business` event in Edinburgh involving the local SEN and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Over 70 folk attended and the day was considered a great success....more
Networks1st Update: 1st February 2008
In Dunoon at the start of this week for Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network's Conference. Highlights of the event inclued a talk by Jim Mather the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism (also the local MSP) who showed a real understanding and appreciation of the value of networks....more
Networks1st Update: 25th January 2008
The Scottish Government has agreed to support a group of LSEN delegates to attend Voice 08 on 26/27th of February (www.tcp-events.co.uk/voice08)....more
Networks1st Update: 18th January 2008
Three bits of news from Aberdeen. Firstly, Aberdeen SEN's new website is now live. The site - www.asen.org.uk - provides information on news and events as well an up-to-date list of members....more
Networks1st Update: 11th January 2008
As this is the first update of the year, can I take this opportunity to wish everybody involved with the Networks the very best for 2008....more
Networks1st Update: 21 December 2007
So we're heading for 2008 and hopes of a more enthusiastic brave new world for social enterprise. Looking back on 2007 there are plenty of high points to savour ...more
Networks1st Update: 14th December 2007
Things have been a bit quieter this week, perhaps with Christmas looming up, altho` ther have been a couple of Network meetings. These include the second Health and Care SEN meeting and the Inverclyde SEN meeting in Greenock....more
Networks1st Update: 7th December 2007
Chris Rogan (this year`s Dragon`s Den winner at the Ceilidh) writes to say that things are gathering pace in Argyll and Bute. Communities Scotland are looking to support ABSEN in running two events in the New Year...more
Networks1st Update: 30th November 2007
Christmas is coming and the trees are getting cut and Emma Galloway (Edinburgh SEN member and lead fiddle player at the New Lanark Ceilidh!!) is ramping up this year's Caring Christmas Trees Campaign....more
Networks1st Update: 23rd November 2007
The Social Enterprise Ceilidh has become an important event in Senscot's diary and this year we were back at New Lanark again on social enterprise day, the15th November, thanks to the Royal Bank of Scotland's continued belief in the event. ...more
Networks1st Update: 9th November 2007
Following last week`s good news from Clackmannanshire and Tayside, we `ve now got some from Aberdeen. The Aberdeen SEN has secured some funds for a part time co-ordinator over the next few months....more
Networks1st Update: 2nd November 2007
Some good news from Clackmannanshire and Tayside this week. Clacks SEN rep Anna Roscoe tells us of an award for £5000 from Communities Scotland and from Tayside...more
Networks 1st Update: 26th October 2007
Numbers for the Ceilidh are approaching the 100 mark. This leaves space for another 20 or so. If you`d like to come along, contact colin@senscot.net or fill in attached booking form ...more
Networks1st Update: 19th October 2007
There still some space in this year's Ceilidh events! Most of you will know the drill by now for the Dragon's Den; punt an idea for an imaginary £100,000 prize, ...more
Networks1st Update:12th October 2007
Booking Forms are now available for this year`s Ceilidh at New Lanark, it's filling up fast the so the sooner you get your form in the better. ...more
Networks1st Update: 5th October 2007
Booking Forms are now available for this year`s Ceilidh at New Lanark. The sooner you get your form in the better it`s already filling up fast. The dates are 15th/16th November. This year`s programme will be available shortly....more
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Fayre and Square
Partnership (two women with young children) employing two members of staff and offering work opportunity to person with learning disability. People and planet before profit organisation committed to serving Fairtrade, wholesome and healthy food to the local community....more |
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