New social enterprise network for north Northants launches

A group of local social enterprises have joined forces to create a network for the north of Northamptonshire which has launched today (Thursday).

‘Good business for people and planet’ is the message behind the new North Northants Social Enterprise Network, with the launched timed to coincide with Social Enterprise Day.

Social enterprises including Teamwork Trust, Accommodation Concern and Youth Works have come together to create the network in order to raise the profile of what they do, the benefits they bring to the area and social enterprise in general.

Alison Holland, who runs the Brightkidz social enterprise in Kettering, has set up the network which includes the launch of a new website providing information and profiles on local social

enterprises.

She said: “We know we need to ‘build back better’ after Covid, especially in light of the future economic and climate challenges we face. Social enterprises are well-positioned to help achieve that. We are all businesses which are about achieving an environmental or social aim above financial reward.

"With the new unitary council forming early next year, we want to be sure our leaders all realise this and make use of local social enterprises. Also, we want to inspire others to start their own social enterprises as it’s a great way to solve problems whilst doing a job you love.”

A key aim of the network is to increase understanding of what social enterprises are: not-for-profit organisations which earn (rather than receive donations for) the majority of their income by selling products or delivering services.

Those who run them get paid salaries but there is no profit distribution. There are different legal structures for social enterprises and include charitable trusts such as Wicksteed Park, community interest companies (CIC) such as Shire Sounds Radio and CommMiniBus (who run the Kettering Catcher bus) and companies limited by guarantee such as Brightkidz.

Jo Moore, chief executive of Accommodation Concern, said: "I feel that at this present time those of us working locally need to support each other, but also have a new opportunity to build the new unitary into a good place to be a social enterprise - giving back to the community whilst creating sustainable organisations.”

Victoria Bell, head of development at Teamwork Trust, said: “Social enterprises like ours offer huge value to the local community, so to have a central support network for like-minded organisations in the county to come together will be really beneficial.

"We are very proud of the social impact we make to autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs in Northamptonshire as we help them to grow and succeed.”

The launch is timed to coincide with Social Enterprise Day which is on the third Thursday in November every year and part of Global Enterprise Week. According to Social Enterprise

UK there are more than 100,000 social enterprises throughout the country contributing £60bn to the economy and employing two million people.

For more information about North Northants Social Enterprise Network visit www.nnse.org.ukMessage from the editor:

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