MLA QUESTION TIME ON THE SOCIAL ECONOMY.

Event date: 1 July 2009 - 10:30am
Cost: Free
Contact: Bronagh Sharpe
Phone: 028 90770502
Location: Jethro Centre, Flush Place , Lurgan BT66 7DT

Social Economy Network (NI) Ltd

The Social Economy Network (NI) Ltd, the representative body for social businesses, will be hosting its AGM on the 1st July at the Jethro Centre – a social enterprise venue in Lurgan. The event will be opened with a cross-party Q&A panel on the social economy in N. Ireland.  The panel will feature MLAs from all seven political parties and the debate will be moderated by BBC TV and radio personality, Mark Carruthers.  The participation of MLAs from across the political spectrum lends itself to the growing political recognition of the valuable contribution which the social economy sector has played in the local economy.  With over one thousand social enterprises estimated to be in operation across the province, the scope of this dynamic sector extends across a range of industries and is an important employer in N. Ireland.  Bryson Charitable Group, a leading social enterprise with businesses located across the province employs over 500 staff and generates an annual turnover in the region of £15 million.

The Social Economy Network (NI) Ltd has a proven track record in lobbying government for increased support for social enterprises.  It has increased the profile of the sector with political parties and raised the needs of the sector with NI Assembly government committees.  Anne Graham, Director of the Social Economy Network commented on the forthcoming AGM: “The Network has been working hard to raise the profile of the sector within government, and it is befitting that our Annual General Meeting (AGM) next month is recognition, not only of the efforts of the Network to develop a strong partnership with political parties, but it also serves to highlight the valuable contribution which the social economy makes in boosting the N. Ireland economy and assisting the Assembly in achieving its socio-economic targets within the Programme for Government (PfG).  This will be an excellent opportunity for social enterprises to further raise their issues with elected representatives.”  

Notes to Editors:

1. The Social Economy Network AGM will be held on 1st July at the Jethro Centre, a social enterprise, at Flush Place, Lurgan.  Registration is at 10.30 and the panel discussion will commence at 10.45am.

2. Social enterprises Social Economy Enterprises operate like conventional businesses in that through their business activities they create employment, generate income and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region. While they pursue profit they are primarily motivated by social and /or environmental goals. They differ from conventional businesses in the way that they use their profits; they re-invest profits back into the business and the communities which they serve. 

3. The Social Economy Network (NI) Ltd is the representative body of the social economy sector in N. Ireland.  Established in 2006, it has a membership base of over one hundred social enterprises located across the province.

4. Contact: Bronagh Sharpe, Communications Officer, (028) 90 770 502, bronagh@socialeconomynetwork.org, www.socialeconomynetwork.org