Social Enterprises Celebrate Success Event

There’s only one place to be this June if you’re a Social Enterprise (or aspiring to become a Social Enterprise) in Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Pembrokeshire or Neath Port Talbot.

Collaborative Communities – a European funded project which promotes Social Enterprise is holding a conference to celebrate the success of Social Enterprises in South West Wales at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Wednesday, June 4. Registration from 8.45am, conference starts at 9.25am – 4.15pm.

Since the project began in 2009 over 600 organisations have been assisted to become more established as trading organisations or set up as Social Enterprises. During the conference there will be an opportunity to find out more about projects that have been supported by Collaborative Communities and listen to inspirational speakers and take part in a host of different workshops.

Keynote speakers include: Professor Andrew Davies – Chair of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and the Welsh Co-operative and Mutuals Commission, a body established in 2012 by the Mister for Economy, Science and Transport to make recommendations on growing and developing a co-operative and Mutuals economy in Wales. The report was published in February 2014 and will be the theme of Professors Davies’ key note speech.

Linda Whittaker – Chief Executive of NPT Homes, as one of the largest landlords in Wales the task of improving all of the housing by 2017 is a challenging one, however it is being delivered on target. Linda will be speaking about achieving results and overcoming barriers to success.

Cris Tomos – Director of the Cardigan Castle Project has been heavily involved with community development and has been a volunteer for several years. He led a campaign to buy his local redundant primary school and develop a community cooperative. Cris will be discussing community share options for groups.

Matthew Brown – Team leader of WCVA’s Communities Investment Fund (CIF), an ERDF backed provider of loans to third sector organisations. The CIF has grown into a social investment vehicle that is now one of the largest specialist providers of finance to the third sector in Wales, and Matthew will be sharing his knowledge on finance for the future.

During the day there will be a number of workshops taking place, alternatively you could join discussion groups after keynote speeches to share your experiences or find out more about the topics.

Jane Lewis, Collaborative Communities Manager, said: “This conference will be an opportunity for organisations to find out more about what new opportunities there will be in the future for Social Enterprises and also to celebrate with us the success of the many organisations that we have helped since we started. The project will end in September 2014 but we hope that our support will continue to benefit communities for the foreseeable future”

Places are limited and must be reserved by May 28.

For more information and/or to book your place call Sara Nicholls on 01269 590 244 or email SMNicholls@carmarthenshire.gov.uk