On Monday evening, the School for Social Enterprises (SSE) ran an event - “Celebrating the Power of Social Enterprises” - in Parliament, hosted by Stephen. The event brought together policy makers, entrepreneurs, and SSE fellows to discuss how to deepen the impact of social enterprise.
Social enterprises are businesses that seek to address social and environmental issues. The SSE helps social enterprises develop the skills and networks they need to succeed, running courses and events.
Monday’s event included speeches by Stephen, Alastair Wilson, the CEO of SSE, and Jo Gideon MP, chair of the APPG on Social Enterprise, alongside a panel discussion featuring directors and CEOs of several firms. Speakers and panellists addressed difficulties in financing and skill development, and how match trading can assist.
In his speech, Stephen emphasised the importance of “increasing the scope and scale of social enterprise.” Speaking after the event, he said, “I was pleased to host the SSE in Parliament. Their event demonstrated how, with the right financing, management, and direction, the private sector can help solve many of the problems our society faces.”
