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The School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland recently brought staff from Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency’s Social Enterprise Team together in a Cafe Conversation with Sir Gerry Robinson.
Sir Gerry Robinson and Stephen McClelland Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency
The School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland recently brought staff from Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency’s Social Enterprise Team together in a Cafe Conversation with Sir Gerry Robinson.
Gerry began his career in 1965 in the cost office of Lesney Products, (Matchbox Toys). In 1974 he moved to Lex Service Group as the Management Accountant for Lex's Volvo network. By 1980 he had become Financial Controller and Finance Director of Lex Industrial Distribution and Hire.
In 1983 he was appointed Managing Director of Grand Metropolitan's troubled International Services business and went on to become Chief Executive of the whole Contract Services division which in that year had lost some £10.5m.
In 1987 he led the UK's then largest management buy-out with the £163m purchase of the Division, subsequently renamed the Compass Group. The Compass Group was later floated on the London market.
He joined Granada in October 1991 as Chief Executive and was Chairman from 1996 until 2001. He has also been Chairman of BSkyB PLC, ITN, Arts Council England and Allied Domecq PLC. Currently Chairman of Moto Hospitality Ltd.
Gerry was awarded a Knighthood in the 2003 New Year's Honours for Services to the Arts and Business.
Sir Gerry all round inspiration to both business and social entrepreneurs said:
"If you haven't heard the phrase social entrepreneurship before then you're missing a new force which is reshaping our society. It's about bringing a business eye to the problems of society, and then applying a business imperative to get things done.
"While profit is not the motive there are big prizes to won along the way. The Social Enterprise Newry & Mourne initiative is a powerful force in building successful social enterprises."
The Social Enterprise Newry & Mourne Initiative offers social enterprises in Newry & Mourne free access to a wide-ranging and flexible menu of support to enable them to become more sustainable and competitive, and to generate greater added value, earnings and wealth within their host communities in Newry & Mourne.
The support includes:
The School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland is bringing Jean Horstman to visit Newry & Mourne in July. Jean is the CEO of InnerCity Entrepreneurs, Boston, USA.
Jean will come together with local social enterprises in a Cafe Conversation hosted by Orana Family and Children’s Centre.
Stephen McClelland Manager of Social Enterprise Newry and Mourne welcomed Jean’s visit:
"This is a rare opportunity for local social enterprises to share Jean’s 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, and her work with the private, public, and nonprofit sectors across two continents."
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