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Previous Network1st Updates
Networks1st Update: Friday 6th August 2010
There has been a considerable response to last week’s piece re the four SVA Learning events that are coming up. SENs have had a mixed experience of the process to date. Some feel they have been kept at arms length, while others have been able to participate more fully. These will be important events for those SENs that wish to participate in their local Single Interface as they will begin to determine the money allocated to each of the four Interface functions – one of which is social enterprise development. It will be an opportunity to influence what level of support social enterprise will get at a local level. If you are keen to attend, see latest info and flyer from the Social Enterprise Academy,...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 30th July 2010
The SVA Learning Events being run by the Social Enterprise Academy for the Single Interfaces begin, with the first of four, in Aberdeen on Friday the 27th of August. These events are tasked to develop Business Plans for the Single Interfaces which have to be delivered to the Scottish Government by November...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 23rd July 2010
The first issue of ReadyforBusiness.org`s online `Brief` will be available next week. The quarterly `Brief` will aim to give news updates and background on RfB. Issue No.1 highlights the success of Unity Enterprise in winning a large catering contract for the Commonwealth Velodrome. If you any stories to share, please let us know. Interest in the Register continues to grow with 219 enterprising third sector organisations now signed up and, in the last fortnight, approaches from 8 private sector firms (including Balfour Beattie and Sir Robert McAlpine) looking to work with the social enterprise community....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 16th July 2010
Dumfries and Galloway SEN contacted us this week to ask us to highlight the SVA programme ‘Leading in Change’. There are to be 4 residentials across the country to discuss and develop the Business Plans for the Single Interfaces. We know Edinburgh SEN is involved but it's unclear if any other SENs active in Single Interfaces are. However, it's good to see that the Social Enterprise Academy has won the contract to deliver these events. There are other opportunities within the SVA Programme for SENs involved in or working towards Single Interface status, Sally Dyson, SVA Programme Manager has provided us with an update on the Programme and will also attend the Network Reps meeting in September...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 9th July 2010
ReadyforBusiness.org - the register of social enterprises - continues to grow with over 200 social enterprises now signed up (a large percentage of them SEN members). Part of the success of ReadyforBusiness.org is thanks to the introduction of Community Benefit Clauses in public sector contracts, which has led to growing interest from private sector....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 2nd July 2010
Things generally slow down a bit at this time of year due to holidays etc – but not on the SEN front. This week Dumfries and Galloway SEN has held interviews to appoint their own Social Enterprise Support Officer. The successful candidate will work for the DGSEN, supporting the development of social enterprise in Dumfries and Galloway and facilitating and supporting the development of DGSEN itself....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 25th June 2010
Edinburgh SEN soaked up the sun this week on Re-Union’s barge for their last meeting before the summer. As well as signing the Model Rules a couple of weeks ago, they have also agreed a Service Level Agreement with Edinburgh City Council to deliver peer support for social enterprises in the City as well as taking on the Chair of the Edinburgh Social Economy Partnership. All are significant steps in their ongoing development and reflects a growing recognition of their role within the city. Clacks and Dundee also signed off the Model Rules this week bringing the total signed up to four to date....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 18th June 2010
The first annual report of the RBS SE100 Index - run in partnership with Social Enterprise magazine - is now available. The Community Banking team at RBS (long time funders of the annual Social Enterprise Conference & Ceilidh at New Lanark) is behind this initiative. The report gives a great insight on the progress of the sector in terms of growth and added value, something Senscot is also working to highlight through our Vital Stats Survey, which we think will complement the information being uncovered by the SE 100 Index. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 11th June 2010
Glasgow SEN member, Unity Enterprise, tell us know they’ve secured a two year contract for the on-site catering with McAlpine’s Ltd. - who are building the Velodrome for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They go `on site` on 16th June. The contract will see Unity create 10 new jobs as well as bringing in additional sessional staff. One of the key challenges for the social enterprise community is making the breakthrough in winning both public and private sector contracts. ReadyforBusiness has been setup to address exactly this issue....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 4th June 2010
One of Fife SEN's longest serving members has won the contract to deliver business support to the social enterprise sector in Fife. At the Fife SEN meeting on Thursday John Oats from Brag outlined details of the contract to deliver a One Stop Shop for start up social enterprises, 8 awareness raising sessions and a social enterprise trade fair; alongside their latest Motivate to Innovate project. Fife SEN was the first Network to get off the ground and have a number of other highly successful and well known members including Recycle Fife and the Ecology Centre as well as some new members such as Mybus....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 28th May 2010
This week Edinburgh SEN (http://www.makingbusinesssense.org.uk) becomes the first Network to register using the newly develop Model Rules, with two more SENs planning to sign on the dotted line shortly. Edinburgh SEN now becomes a cooperative with the choice to also apply for charitable status. This new constitution, some 2 years in the making , is based on work by Senscot, in partnership with the SENs. Senscot has prepared a set of Guidance Notes on the new Model Rules to provide additional support for SENs planning to adopt this model....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 21st May 2010
In recent weeks, Networks 1st has been banging the drum about the Future Jobs fund as an opportunity for the SENs. This week, we hear, the new UK Govt has put the brakes on it!! As the Senscot bulletin says, there's going to be LOTS of other changes happening, such as the end to the use of the term Third Sector! While a lot of this won’t affect us directly some of the changes seem to reflect what is already happening in Scotland - particularly around the delivery of public services by social enterprises. There is already a lot of good work going on up here around public sector procurement, such as the promotion of Community Benefit clauses and opportunities for consortium building. The push to level the playing field and make it easier for social enterprises and SMEs to access public sector contracts is now for real. All the more reason for SEN members to register for www.ReadyforBusiness.org...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 14th May 2010
Further to last week’s story on the Future Jobs Fund, Pauline Douglas (Coalfields Regeneration Trust) reminds us that the Fife and Clackmannanshire SEN posts are part of a successful bid managed by the CRT, which has the added benefit of extending the initial 6 months place to 12 months in total. In a similar vein, a partnership lead by Argyll Training is set to deliver 35 employment opportunities via social enterprises across Argyll. Additional funding from Leader and Wider Role will extend the duration to 40 weeks. The first 3 young people started at the end of March with Campbelltown Community Organic Garden...more
Networks1st
Over recent weeks, 3 SENs (Dundee, Clacks and Fife) have been taking the opportunity to employ admin staff to help facilitate meetings. This has been made possible through SEN members becoming involved in the Future Jobs Fund. In Dundee, Factory Skatepark, Helm Training, Dundee Women's International Centre and Claverhouse are providing up to 20 Future Jobs positions between them via SCVO. It's also possible to access Future Jobs Funds (which can provide host organisations up to £2,000 per 6 months placement) via Local Authorities...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 30th April 2010
This week’s Network News comes from Malmo in Sweden. Senscot was invited over to share its experiences with the development and growth of SENs over the years. Our colleagues in Sweden are initiating their own Network and are keen to learn about the SEN model in Scotland - why they are important and, of course, what the benefits and obstacles have been. The notion of local social enterprises offering peer-to-peer support and joint working opportunities seems to be attracting increasing interest from overseas as this visit follows on from Aidan’s visit to New Zealand and recent inquiries from Australia and Austria. We’ll keep you posted on what develops...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 23rd April 2010
On Wednesday, we attended the 5th S2S Trade Fair, hosted by our Coalition at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh. Everyone felt that the event is getting better year on year with a really good buzz and lots of new faces. Our highlight was the launch of a new thematic Network – the Youth SEN – following a lively workshop. We also participated in the ‘Pitch to the Panel’- a mini dragons’ den hosted by Firstport....more
Networks1st Update: Thursday 1st April 2010
Senscot attended the Scottish Parliament's Responsible Purchasing Policy event this week as they sought feedback to help them improve and update their Policy. As well as some familiar faces from the third sector, Scottish Business in the Community and the Federation of Small Businesses were also present. The initial Policy has been a real success and has provided a number of opportunities for social enterprises as well as an improved understanding of the Scottish Parliaments £15m procurement budget and its procedures....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 26th March 2010
Clacks SEN has completed a Single Outcome Agreement Survey as part of the ongoing discussions around the Single Interface. As with their ‘Vital Stats’ survey, it has produced impressive results. Collectively, members are contributing towards 13 out of the 15 national indicators in health, education, employability, inequalities and the environment. Over the coming months, we hope other SENs can also complete the survey. We also intend to carry out a similar survey at a local level – to demonstrate how local SENs are contributing towards their local SOA Indicators...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 19th March 2010
ReadyforBusiness is seeing a significant increase in the number and scale of contract opportunities available to social enterprises. This has gathered pace lately with the partner organisations (Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and CEiS) being directly approached by national private sector companies looking to deliver on the Community Benefit Clauses that are now being built into their tendering process. We are convinced that the current trend will see these opportunities increase even further.150 social enterprises are currently on the register. If you’re keen to have the chance to access these opportunities, register now...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 12th March 2010
The LSEN Model Rules have now been approved by both OSCR and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This means there is now a legal structure developed specifically for Local/Thematic SENs. By adopting the Model Rules, SENs become co-operatives and, at the same time, have charitable status! A couple of LSENs are already interested in adopting them. You can do so by downloading them from our site and paying £40 to register....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 5th March 2010
Senscot is currently working with the Scottish Prison Services (SPS) to develop a broader understanding of the opportunity for social enterprise in connection with Scotland's prisons. We're just at the starting gates with an event taking place in May to bring together social enterprises with an interest in this area with Governors and senior SPS officials in charge of policy and development. Mel Young has kindly agreed to chair the event. We are keen to hear from any social enterprises who already have experience of working with prisons. We'd be grateful if you could take the time to fill in the attached survey - http://www.senscot.net/networks1st/spsurvey.php . We attended a similar event in London this week and have a few ideas for initiatives that could be explored in Scotland as well....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 26th February 2010
Ready for Business (http://www.readyforbusiness.org) is a public social partnership (psp) pilot project involving Senscot, Social Firms Scotland and CEiS. Its aim is to support social enterprises increase their trading through delivery of tenders for goods and services. Public contracts are increasingly adopting community benefit clauses and the first opportunities for social enterprise through the inclusion of Community Benefit Clauses are starting to flow through the Ready for Business programme. Over 120 social enterprises are already receiving regular updates on contract opportunities...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 19th February 2010
The gossip from civil servants is that – across departments – Govt. ministers urge more engagement with social enterprise. As previously reported, thematic Networks in particular, show increased activity – with three conferences in the next three months. As well as the developed themes of Coalfields, Cultural, Health and Sport – two new ones are emerging – Social Enterprise and Youth; Social Enterprise and Justice. There will be a Youth Dragon’s Den at S2S in April and the Justice theme will host a ‘Social Enterprise and Scottish Prisons’ event in May. All of these areas of activity have come about as a direct result of the work of front line social enterprises and we are always keen to hear your stories. In particular – if you are already working with a Scottish Prison – please get in touch. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 12th February 2010
From the outset – most of the 12 geographic SENS have operated without formal structure – simply informal peer support groups. But some Networks are now becoming involved in local developments which call for a more formal structure. Over the last couple of years, we’ve discussed, with Network Reps, the idea of commissioning a bespoke legal structure to act as a formal ‘wrapper’ for Networks which feel the need. With the support of Cooperative Development Scotland (CDS), Senscot has taken on the task of producing our own legal model acceptable to both OSCR and the Financial Services Agency. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 5th February 2010
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Kim, Anna and myself attended Voice 10 in Cardiff with a delegation of LSEN representatives. The event seems to get bigger and bolder every year with over 900 delegates attending from across the UK. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 29th January 2010
For the last 3 years, Senscot has been working with a growing number of community sports organisations interested in adopting the social enterprise model with a view to boosting income, sustainability and the numbers of people coming through their doors. In doing so, we have built good working partnerships with both sportscotland and The Robertson Trust. Both are showing their support by providing a three year funding package to promote the social enterprise model to community sports organisations across Scotland. This means we can now go ahead and appointment of a Social Enterprise and Sport Co-ordinator. We’re sure this will be an interesting and challenging role....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 22nd January 2010
Our work supporting thematic Social Enterprise Networks has been gathering pace over recent months. This is reflected in bespoke events over the coming months looking at social enterprise in relation to Health, Sports, Coalfield communities and the Cultural sector. In line with this, we’re particularly pleased to announce that, with the support of the Robertson Trust and Sports Scotland, we will be recruiting a new member of staff to work specifically with sports-related social enterprises....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 15th January 2010
The UK’s main jamboree for Social Enterprises is the VOICE annual gathering which takes place this year in Cardiff on the 1st and 2nd February. Voice 10 will feature the official launch of the ‘Social Enterprise Mark’ which Senscot has helped develop – so I’m going down with the Mark’s 5 Scottish Champions to help celebrate. If you’re going to Cardiff under your own steam – and want to join up – contact karina@senscot.net for arrangements. A limited subsidy may be available for LSEN members who would otherwise be able travel down, courtesy of Scottish Govt. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 8th January 2010
Happy New Year! 2010 sees the coldest start in 30 years - long before Senscot was even a glint in Laurence's eye! What will 2010 bring us? Already we have 4 conferences on the cards over the coming months; Community Benefit Clauses on 20 January in Dundee; our third Health and Social Enterprise conference (Fit for Purpose 2010) in March; a Coalfields SEN conference also in March; and a Social Enterprise and Culture event in April. The new IPS Model Rules should be available shortly and we hope to be in a position to announce a new initiative on social enterprise and community sport very soon. We will continue to develop Vital...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 18th December 2009
2009 has been another busy year – maybe the busiest yet for LSENs. And, 2010 looks like being more of the same. Our objective remains to try and help the LSENs and their members develop and grow. There has been plenty evidence of this with: 24 LSEN members securing investment funding through Scottish Govt; LSENs playing an increasing role in Single Interfaces at a local level; increasing evidence of economic impact at a local level through Vital Stats; and increased procurement opportunities. Senscot will continue to offer its support as best we can during 2010. Here are some of the documents/reports we produced this year...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 11th December 2009
Perth hasn’t been a hotbed of activity for Senscot up till now so it was great to receive an invite from Susan Scott of PlusPerth. They are actively exploring social enterprise opportunities for the site of the old Royal Murray Hospital. It’s a spectacular site, steeped in history with some amazing buildings. Ideas in the pipeline include a Backpackers Hostel, an Elderly Care Home, an artist works space plus a market garden. The Steering Committee is also exploring establishing a Community Development Trust. I also had the opportunity to visit the Giraffe Trading Company - a thriving social enterprise in the heart of Perth (see today’s profile). It was great to meet Susan and James Alexander from Giraffe. We wish them and all the folk at PerthPlus success in their endeavours....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 4th December 2009
As we said last week, the 2009 Ceilidh was another great success. We’ve now completed our survey – to see if you agreed with us - but also to try and improve the Ceilidh in the future. 66 attendees responded (55%) and the response has been very positive. New Lanark remains a popular venue and the bar in the Dragons` Den has been raised yet again. Other areas may require a bit of thought – e.g. the Market Place and Speed Trading – so we`ll get our thinking caps on for next year. Thanks to everyone who responded....more
Networks 1st Update: 27th November 2009
It was good to hear that the three winners of the first Scottish Social Enterprise Awards are all members of Local SENs. The three winners - the Breadmaker, Social Enterprise Clydebank and Alloa Community Enterprises - now go forward to the UK finals with the results being announced at an event in London next week. ...more
Networks 1st Update: 20th November 2009
Yesterday’s Ceilidh was our fifth and, again, proved a great success. Around 120 people attended – 85 from LSENs – and enjoyed a lively day with a number of great contributions - including a star turn from Scottish Govt`s Geoff Pearson. This year saw a double whammy with The Wooden Spoon (Dundee International Women`s Centre) winning both the Dragons` Den and the Audience prizes. We’ll have a fuller report for next week....more
Networks 1st Update: 13th November 2009
The Social Enterprise Ceilidh is now officially FULL! There is another great line up of speakers from social entrepreneurs Marie Marin (N. Ireland), Paul Smith (Stranraer) and Derek Marshall (Dundee) to the Scottish Government’s Geoff Pearson....more
Networks 1st Update: 6th November 2009
The shortlist for Scotland’s first Social Enterprise Awards was announced this week. We’re delighted to see a number of LSEN members figuring on the list, including Wise Group, Alloa Community Enterprise, Instant Neighbour, the Breadmaker and With People....more
Networks 1st Update: 30th October 2009
The LSEN Reps Group met this week to have its first look at the Model Rules for Social Enterprise Networks, based on the LSEN Blueprint. Drafted by Stephen Philips (Burness) with the support of Co-operative Development Scotland, the Model Rules are designed to support an ethos of mutually beneficial clusters of social enterprises working collaboratively....more
Networks 1st Update: Friday 23rd October 2009
ReadyforBusiness.org is now ready to accept full registration and tenders! Senscot, in partnership with CEiS and Social Firms Scotland, and with support from the Scottish Government has developed ‘Ready for Business’, a register for social enterprises, to promote Community Benefit Clauses and to offer support to social enterprises interested in bidding for tenders by building consortia....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 16th October 2009
On Monday, we attended a meeting, hosted by the Coalition, with Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS), SCVO and Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) to share views on how things were panning out with the `single interface` at both a local and national level. We were particularly interested in the varying experiences of different groupings within the third sector. We’re hoping to progress things, looking particularly at the engagement of social enterprise on each interface. We’ll keep you posted on developments. ...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 9th October 2009
This year’s Social Enterprise Ceilidh is filling up fast! We’ve already received some excellent bids for the Dragons` Den but there are still a few days left before the closing date of 15th October. Each year over 75% of delegates are from social enterprises with the rest being made up from intermediaries, funders and the public sector....more
Networks1st Update: 28th August
Graeme McKechnie, the new Procurement Issues Manager for the Scottish Government, has been in touch to highlight a number of opportunities the Government would like to see being taken up by social enterprises. These include Public Contracts Scotland which we've featured before and also the Suppliers Development Programme....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 2nd October 2009
I attended the 'Healthier Lives, Wealthier Communities' in Edinburgh this week. A key theme was the importance of demonstrating added value and that the statutory and private sectors should also be required to report on this just as much as for Third Sector organisations. The other key issue was the growing recognition that Community Benefit Clauses will have an important role to play in social enterprises getting their foot in the door! Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) were also on the agenda with NHS Health Scotland looking to deliver a series of SOA Planning events to make sure public health targets are delivered....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 18th September 2009
Bookings are open for this year’s Dragons` Den at the Ceilidh. Once again there is a £5,000 prize sponsored by RBS and Unity Enterprise for the winner. The second prize is a consultancy package from Rocket Science. The last 3 years winners have all been from Argyll and Bute – with each saying the award has made a significant difference to their organisation....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 11th September 2009
The 5th Social Enterprise Ceilidh at New Lanark takes place on 19th/20th November 2009 (Social Enterprise Day)! As with previous years, we will kick off with Question Time, followed by Masterclasses , Speed Trading and, of course, the Dragons` Den. Once again, RBS and Unity Enterprise are sponsoring the Den which again has a £5,000 prize for the winner. Last year’s winners Our Power and You Can Cook will be back to update us on their progress. Booking form now available, see http://www.senscot.net/networks1st/ceilidh09booking.php...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 4th September 2009
The second Vital Stats Survey has now been completed with eight members of the Aberdeen SEN submitting information. Total turnover is approx £20m of which 63% is generated through contracts. Between them, they have 873 employees, 97 trainees and 352 volunteers. The combined turnover for both the Aberdeen and Tayside SENs is an impressive £27m. We will be carrying out Vital Stats surveys for as many of the LSENs as possible,...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 21st August 2009
Tim Smit (Edin Project) and our friend Graham Bell (Kibble) are running a Master Class on Wednesday 7th October at Paisley Abbey. Senscot has secured a number of free places for LSEN members. The event is being co-ordinated by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC) in partnership with a number of others including Voluntary Action Scotland and Kibble itself. This is a great opportunity to hear two of the UK`s most prominent social entrepreneurs share their experiences. If you`re interested, contact anna@senscot.net...more
Networks1st Update: Friday 14th August 2009
Five Scottish social enterprises are being awarded the Social Enterprise Mark (SEM) at an event at the Engine Shed in Edinburgh today. The five awardees are Bookdonors, the Wise Group, Recycle Fife, Out of the Blue and the Engine Shed itself. The five `Scottish Champions` are the first tranche to be awarded the Mark in Scotland....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 7th August 2009
The Vital Statistics Surveys are starting to take shape. Tayside SEN is now complete with impressive figures. See http://www.senscot.net/networks1st/showresource.php?articleid=43 Glasgow, Clacks, Aberdeen and Dumfries & Galloway are all on their way to completion as well. The figures are demonstrating the value and impact of social enterprises on their respective local economies. The levels of turnover, training and employment opportunities and, most interestingly, the percentage of trade income reflect are greater impact than some might have thought. We hope to complete similar surveys with all Networks over the coming months....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 31st July 2009
The Enterprise Fund is a great opportunity for LSEN members to build their capacity. To date, the Fund has approved nearly 40 applications, totalling approximately £2.7m. Aberdeen SEN has had particular success with Aberdeen Forward, Multi-Ethnic Aberdeen (MEAL) and Send-It (formally Printability) all receiving awards. The Melting Pot in Edinburgh also got good news this week with an award of £100k. Scottish Govt is particularly keen to receive application from Inverclyde, East Ayrshire and West Dumbartonshire....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 24th July 2009
Networks 1st, the webspace in the Senscot website specifically for Social Enterprise Networks and their members, has been updated with more options and info sources. This includes a direct link on every page of Networks 1st to the new online forum (Networks NING), which now includes 5 DVD’s by the Scottish Social Enterprise Academy. The films profile a variety of social enterprises across the country. Networks Ning members are able to post DVD’s and photos, sign up for the Social Enterprise Ceilidh at New Lanark and start discussions about topics of collective interest amongst the members. Go to http://networks1st.ning.com to view the DVD’s and sign up....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 17th July 2009
This year is Senscot's 10th anniversary and amazingly it's already the Social Enterprise Ceilidh's 5th! We're at New Lanark again (will this year be the last there?) and the dates are 19th of November, which is Social Enterprise Day and 20th. We're pleased to be able to confirm support for the event from RBS. There will be the usual favourites such as Speed Trading and the Dragon's Den which Unity Enterprise will once again be sponsoring! Any social enterprises out there who'd like to match Unity's generous £2,000 investment in the sector please get in touch....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 10th July 2009
Over the next couple of months, Senscot, with support from Cooperative Development Scotland (CDS), will be developing a legal model specifically for Local Social Enterprise Networks (LSEN). The basis for this work came form the LSEN Blueprint produced last year with input from the Network Reps meetings....more
Networks1st Update: Friday 3rd July 2009
Yesterday, after the series of events held over recent months, Senscot met up with RISE to discuss Scottish interest in the Social Enterprise Mark. Things are moving ahead with a view to launching a new C.I.C Limited by Shares to run the SEM. This is expected to be launched UK wide at the end of this year. We took the opportunity to visit the Watershed in the centre of Bristol and The Piernan Centre in St Paul's....more
Networks1st Update: 26th June 2009
On Wednesday, Senscot attended the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition's 5th AGM. During the day, it became clear there is an increasing desire for the Coalition to work more closely with the LSENs over the coming year. Outside the formal business, there were three policy debates. These included how the sector and the Scottish Government communicate the value of social enterprise; clarifying how social enterprise could/should engage with the Third Sector Interfaces; and finally the Social Enterprise Mark...more
Networks1st Update: 19th June 2009
Yesterday, Senscot participated in `Up and Running` a sport and social enterprise event at Airth Castle near Alloa, was sponsored by Social Investment Scotland. Over 50 people heard presentations from the likes of Mel Young (Homeless World Cup), Stewart Harris (Sports Scotland), Craig Campbell (SIS) as well as locally based sports social enterprises such as Transition Extreme (Aberdeen) and Atlantis Leisure (Oban)....more
Networks1st Update: 12th June 2009
CEiS is holding a series of free seminars this month on opportunities for social enterprises in the new contracting arrangements for government programmes. The seminars will give some focus to the commissioning of the new Specialist Disability Employment Programme and will provide the opportunity to hear from existing prime providers of other programmes. These seminars are a key step in establishing partnerships and collaborations that can help gain and retain business through employability programmes....more
Networks1st Update: 5th June 2009
Local People Leading(LPL) has recently been awarded a knowledge and skills fund through Scottish Govt. As a founding member of the LPL campaign, Senscot will be able to access some of these funds for any LSEN or LSEN members who wish to travel or need to incur other costs in order to learn or build their capacity or skills. Funds...more
Networks1st Update: 29th May 2009
Senscot attended the Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA) Think Tanks Away Day at Hampden Stadium this week. The event was to engage the Third Sector in looking at the changing role and purpose of third sector infrastructure (support services). This included the current changes affecting the sector and what the vision for the future of support services should be....more
Networks1st Update: 22nd May 2009
Developments continue around the Third Sector Single Interface with a confererence invite this week from Eleanor Logan. Eleanor, a one time member of ABSEN, is working with the Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA) Think Tanks project, who are hosting an event for intermediary, infrastructure, community and voluntary orgs and also social enterprises at Hampden Park, Glasgow next week. The...more
Networks1st Update: 15th May 2009
On Friday, I met with George Watson's College in Edinburgh to discuss their policy to using local companies as they are keen to learn more about social enterprise. This follows on from a meeting with the Scottish Parliament's Social Enterprise Procurement Forum where a group of intermediaries were given a long list of the contracts under £90,000 available over the next year. Does anyone know of other companies interested in following a similar Responsible Procurement approach...more
Networks1st Update: 8th May 2009
Senscot is hosting two further meetings on the Social Enterprise Mark (SEM). The first will take place at the Wise Group's offices at 72 Charlotte Street, Glasgow G1 5DW from 2 pm - 4 pm and the second at Aberdeen Foyer's Marywell Training &Conference Centre, Marywell Street, Aberdeen AB11 6JF, from 2 pm - 4 pm....more
Networks1st Update: 1st May 2009
In March, Senscot held an event to discuss the prospect of the Social Enterprise Mark (SEM) being rolled out in England. Since then the UK Social Enterprise Coalition has given the SEM its backing, and in a survey of 1,000 people across the UK, 86% of respondents associated the Social Enterprise Mark with environmental and ethical benefits and said they would prefer to buy from firms who put their profits back into the community...more
Networks1st Update: 24th April 2009
Last week's Networks 1st story on the Third Sector Single Interface generated a lot of interest. This week, a couple of Network members forwarded the most recent letter from the Public Service Reform Directorate (Third Sector Division) on the subject. The letter outlines a series of minimum functions for the `Interfaces` that include "support and development of social enterprise"....more
Networks1st Update: 17th April 2008
The Single Interface programme started in March 2008 with an announcement from the Scottish Government that it would no longer fund the networks of the CVS's, the VC's, the LSEPs and the LSENs in their current form, from April 2011. The Single Interface will be one of the main topics on the agenda at the next LSEN Reps meeting on 6th May. ...more
Networks1st Update: 9th April 2009
An increasingly important issue for LSENs over the next 12 months will be the emergence of the new 'Interface' between the Third Sector and Community Planning Partnerships. Scottish Govt has been clear that the functions of the 'Interface' will include support for social enterprise at a local level...more
Networks1st Update: 3rd April 2009
Yesterday, I attended the first meeting of the Social Enterprise Procurment Forum, hosted at the Scottish Parliament. A group of organisations with reach into the social enterprise sector were invited to hear about the Scottish Parlaments approach to purchasing. ...more
Networks1st Update: 27th March 2009
'Fit for Purpose 09' on 3rd March at the Scottish StoryTelling Centre in Edinburgh, connected the 'Enterprising Third Sector' action plan and 'Equally Well' the Government's strategy on health inequalities. ...more
Networks1st Update: 20th March 2009
This week saw the second of this year’s Community of Business events take place in Inverness. These events are a great opportunity for social and commercial enterprises to meet and develop relationships at a local level. This has already been evident through a joint venture between Haven products and Lip-Ink UK. The 3rd and final event this year will be held on Wednesday 25th March at the Glynhill Hotel in Paisley. ...more
Networks1st Update:13th March 2009
Senscot is the Scottish partner for the national role out of the Social Enterprise Mark which has been developed by RISE in the South West of England. On Wednesday 18th March (1.30-4pm, The Melting Pot, Edinburgh), we are hosting a `discussion forum` to see if there is an appetite for the SEM in Scotland. ...more
Networks1st Update: 6th March 2009
Tuesday saw a full house for 'Fit for Purpose '09', where we were joined by the Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison. There was a real buzz at the event with a growing understanding of how social enterprises can deliver innovative, responsive services to local communities. ...more
Networks1st Update: 27th February
Another big event in Fife coming up. The 2nd Annual Social Enterprise Business Awards - a collaboration between the Fife SEN and the Local Social Economy Partnership - will take place in Kirkcaldy on Wed 18th March. Once again, our friends in the Kingdom have pulled out all the stops with an impressive list of speakers that include Liam Black (former CEO of Fifteen)....more
Networks1st Update: 20th February 2009
Jackie Dunsmuir, CEO of Recycle Fife (and founder member of the Fife SEN) has been in touch to let us know that they've been short listed in the CRNS 4th Annual Awards for diverting 750 tonnes a year from landfill and creating jobs. Based in Lochgelly, Recycle Fife has established itself as a leading recycler in the commercial and social enterprise sectors. ...more
Networks1st Update: 13th February 2009
Down in Birmingham to Voice '09 which started with a quick tour of trade fair tent Social Enterprise West Midlands which had a great atmosphere and a number of upbeat stands with bikes that made fruit smoothies and the very impressive award winning Mosely Farmers Market CIC. ...more
Networks1st Update: 6th Feburary 2009
Fit for Purpose '09, which will look at the positive impact that social enterprise can have on public health, is now full and we have opened a waiting list. The event is taking place at the Story Telling Centre in Edinburgh and will see presentations on Public Social Partnerships, SROI, and Community Benefit Clauses...more
Networks1st Update: 30th January 2009
Members of both Glasgow and Edinburgh SEN have been getting good press recently. Last week saw Impact Arts advertise 10 new staff members on the back of a successful bid to the Inspiring Scotland fund. This week, The Melting Pot is in the news with a great article in the Scotsman about how it’s on target to be self-sufficient by 2010...more
Networks1st Update: 23rd January 2008
Fit for Purpose '09 social enterprise and health conference on 3rd March is filling up fast, with only around 20 places left.http://www.senscot.net/networks1st/fitforpurpose09.php Shona Robison the Minister for Public Health will be the keynote speaker at the event. Also, Edinburgh SEN member Lubna Kerr's Wellbeing Health and You (WHY), a social enterprise working to improve both mental and physical health, will be on hand with colleagues offering delegates health checks and massages...more
Networks1st Update: 16th January 2009
Senscot will be carrying out an LSEN Vital Statistics Survey. We'll be getting in touch with Network members about this over the coming months in an effort to gather information at an organisational and Network level. We've put together an online form to try and make the process as simple as possible. http://www.senscot.net/networks1st/lsensurvey.php ...more
Networks1st Update: 9th January 2009
Voice 09 is the main UK wide jamboree for the social enterprise sector and last year Senscot organised a delegation from the Networks down to Liverpool. This year the event will be held in Birmingham on 10th /11th February and, with the support of Scottish Government, we intend to organise a similar delegation from Scotland. Anna will be in touch with Network members re details. ...more
Networks1st Update: 19th December 2008
The Scottish Government’s £12 million Third Sector Enterprise Fund, aimed at encouraging Third Sector organisations to become more enterprising, was launched last week. The fund will be managed and delivered by the Scottish Government Third Sector Division and guidance on ‘How to apply’ which will appear on the SG website during January 2009. The Enterprise Fund itself will open for applications in late January 2009 and will run until March 2011. The key purpose of the fund is to increase the capacity, capability and financial sustainability of third sector organisations. ...more
Networks1st Update: 12th December 2008
The Scottish Government recognises that people have to be at the centre of all that is important in their lives and of the need to work together in order to deliver a healthier, safer, greener, smarter, wealthier and better connected Scotland. ‘Fit for Purpose 09’ will connect the ‘Enterprising Third Sector’ action plan and ‘Equally Well’. the Government's strategy to reduce health inequalities to close the health gap in Scotland. ...more
Networks1st Update: 5th December 2008
Some good news for Re-Union. They have recently received two generous donations from Edinburgh Quay Ltd and the EDI Group to increase their work on the canal in west Edinburgh and at Edinburgh Quay in the city centre. The donations will enable Re-Union to have a broader mix of social and cultural activities and also help increase visitor and volunteer numbers....more
Networks1st Update: 28th November 2008
This Monday, social entreprenuer and Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunis gives a lecture at Glasgow Caledonian University on his view of the world's economy. Leading Scottish social entrepreneur Mel Young, a founding Sencot member, magaged to get over 80 places for Senscot members to attend this important event. ...more
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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