There’s only one topic of conversation this morning really isn’t there? After what seemed like weeks of endless hype, build up, comment and media coverage we now know the result: İstanbul Başakşehir beat Mönchengladbach 2-1 in the Europa League. I know, I didn’t see it coming either.
Will things ever be the same again? Only time will tell. But I guess we just have to come to terms with it and move on, and how better than a bit of social enterprise news…
I suppose we’d better talk about it
There was of course an election yesterday and a couple of weeks ago I promised to let you know how readers of Have I Got Social Enterprise News For You intended to vote. After a busy night last night counting ballot papers I can exclusively reveal the results:
- Labour 62.18%
- Liberal Democrats 14.29%
- Greens 10.92%
- SNP 5.04%
- Conservatives 4.2%
- Co-operative Party 0.84%
- SDLP 0.84%
- Brexit Party 0.84%
- Other 0.84%
We can dream, I guess..
As easy as abc
I’ve been practicing my grammar this week, paying particular attention to the Oxford comma. Want an example? Here you go: take a look at this great article featuring some of the top quotes from the Women In Social Enterprise 100 event from a whole range of amazing, exceptional and inspirational social entrepreneurs, and our CEO Alastair Wilson.
Free money
Do you work for a charity, community interest company, charitable incorporated organisation or community benefit society with annual income of less than £500,000? Would you like an unrestricted grant of up to £30,000? Then step over here my friend and allow me to introduce you to The Fore. They are currently accepting registrations for the next round of funding – be quick though, the number of registrations is capped.
Don’t be a Kylie
My colleague Kylie borrowed my drill about six months ago and she is yet to return it so it’s probably best if we don’t tell her about the recently opened Human Lending Library in Manchester. Social entrepreneurs looking for business advice can ‘borrow’ a business expert for free, to help them solve their challenges and scale fast. And they’ve got some pretty impressive experts, including the founders of Pret-a-Manger, Carphone Warehouse, John Frieda, Mumsnet and many other leading companies.
Ooh ah, PR
The PR and Communications Council will be encouraging PR and communications agencies to “buy social” from social enterprises in 2020. Simon Francis, the newly elected Chair of the Council, is keen to hear from any HIGSENFY readers who can suggest social enterprises that the sector should be using. If you’d like to get in touch with him, you can reach him on Twitter: @si_francis
Something to smile about
Congratulations to SSE student Alex Winstanley, whose organisation Happy Smiles has been chosen as a Co-op Local Cause in Wigan. Happy Smiles was set up with the aim of improving social inclusion, by showing what people with disabilities can do, rather than what they can’t and supports people with disabilities to become inclusion champions. They’ll receive 1% of Co-op members’ shopping bills in the Wigan store.
Express yourself
Forward planners can now complete an expression of interest form for our Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme. It’s SSE’s biggest learning programme offers a peer-to-peer support network with like-minded social entrepreneurs, a mentor and a grant (£1k for start-up, £4k for trade up and £7k for scale up). If you complete the form we’ll pop you an email as soon as we open applications.
Do you want a new job?
Because here are a few that might be of interest:
We are looking for two development officers (£32,061 – £33, 023 pro rata) on a part time basis to bolster our fundraising efforts. We’re flexible on location – you could be based from one of our network schools or even work in your pyjamas at home. Apply by 13th January.
The SEIDs Social Innovation & Enterprise Hub in Wembley (look it up on a map, Arsenal fans) are recruiting a Managing Director (£65k). The successful candidate will manage, scale and develop SEIDS existing social enterprises and oversee the successful development of new enterprises – if you’ve got wide knowledge of the social enterprise or business sector you can apply here by Sunday 15th December.
Collaborate and listen
We recently ran an event in Liverpool for SSE Fellows on the subject of campaigning, communicating and collaborating (I can think of a few people who should have attended). Our head of comms Sophie has put together a blog covering how the event unfolded. By all accounts it was brilliant – keep an eye out for similar events throughout 2020.
Heal the world, make it a better place…
An interesting looking conference in London on 5th – 8th February: The Creative Change Makers Conference will connect the best creative minds in industry and business’ who share a vision to build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world. Charities and NGOs can apply for free or discounted tickets.
Gift aid
Finally, a frankly incredible resource from Madeleine Sugden – if you’ve still got a Secret Santa gift to buy she’s put together a whole list of ideas so that you can avoid buying pointless plastic tat.
