Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN) has announced its first festival of social enterprise in the city, being held over a week in November, celebrating new and more ethical ways of doing business.
The festival, which will run from November 12 to 17, is the first of its kind for the city. The week will include workshops, competitions, a conference, a concert and a panel debate on the state of the economy looking at how social enterprises can gain investment and create jobs.
Michelle Virgo, chair of the network, said: “Plymouth now has one of the most vibrant social enterprise scenes in the country.
“We’ve built on last year’s successful one-day event and come up with a week of activities to showcase and celebrate what happens when business, social and environmental aims come together.”
The festival sees activities happening all over the city such as a workshop on women’s experiences of running social enterprises and a launch of a social enterprise programme for young people. The University of Plymouth plays host to the week’s main event – PSEN’s Trade Fair and Conference – on Thursday, November 15, at the Roland Levinsky Building. This free for anyone to attend.
Michelle added: “If you’re interested in doing business with social enterprise, work for a social enterprise, have an idea for a new social enterprise, or are just curious to find out what ‘social enterprise’ really means there will be an event at the festival for you.”
The festival is supported by the Plymouth University, the Plymouth Business School and the Plymouth based, national Social Enterprise University Enterprise Network. PSEN are hoping to announce another major sponsor in the next few weeks.
PSEN is a membership organization that represents over 70 social businesses in and around the city of Plymouth. It aims to be a focal point for the social enterprise sector.
For more information about the festival go to www.plymsocent.org.uk
