Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Forum: Supporting Social Enterprise in Oxford
Manuela Da Costa-Fernandes | 08.12.2005 23:45 | Globalisation | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements | Oxford
OSEF is back! The Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Forum is holding a re-launch event on Wednesday December 14th at Seminar Room A, Said Business School, Oxford University.
Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Forum: Supporting Social Enterprise in Oxfordshire
OSEF is back!
Following the departure of OSEF’s Chair Barbara Hayes in the summer, the Executive Committee has redefined the forum’s goals and mission. It now wants its members and the public to meet the new improved OSEF and, of course, to network. The event is for anyone thinking of starting a social enterprise or who works with or supports a social enterprise. And it is free!
Replacing Ms. Hayes as interim Chair is Barbara Phillips CBE, founder and head of the Government’s Social Enterprise Unit from August 2001 to April 2004, who hopes old and new members will join them on 14th. A new Chair will be elected by members at the AGM, planned for February 2006.
Ms. Phillips said: "The Forum seeks to encourage and support developing social enterprises in the county. These businesses - driven by their social objectives rather than profit maximisation - can already be found in many sectors, from childcare to recycling, and in rural areas as well as our towns. For the first time, the Forum will be backed with real resources. In 2006, we will really be able to deliver for members and the wider community."
Dominic Scholfield, an OSEF executive member and the director of a social enterprise, the Oxford Cycle Workshop, said: “OSEF provides a point of contact for social enterprises and organises mutual support for its members.”
OSEF’s relaunch event, as well as outlining OSEF’s future plans and providing networking opportunities, will offer the chance to hear Martyn Baker of the Faringdon Area Project talk about how he has increased their income by selling direct to customers. There also will be a prize draw for anyone who attends or who sends their business details to the address below. In addition, everyone there may collect a free copy of OSEF's new Business Support Directory and information about a new £1,000 grant available for social enterprises, offered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
Attending the event is free and there will be refreshments at the start (4.15 for 4.30) and end (over by 7.00 at the latest). To attend, e-mail Laura Cruikshank at:
Laura.cruikshank@businesslinksolutions.co.uk or phone 01844 210 442 by 5.00pm Friday 9 Decemeber 2005.
(405 words)
OSEF is back!
Following the departure of OSEF’s Chair Barbara Hayes in the summer, the Executive Committee has redefined the forum’s goals and mission. It now wants its members and the public to meet the new improved OSEF and, of course, to network. The event is for anyone thinking of starting a social enterprise or who works with or supports a social enterprise. And it is free!
Replacing Ms. Hayes as interim Chair is Barbara Phillips CBE, founder and head of the Government’s Social Enterprise Unit from August 2001 to April 2004, who hopes old and new members will join them on 14th. A new Chair will be elected by members at the AGM, planned for February 2006.
Ms. Phillips said: "The Forum seeks to encourage and support developing social enterprises in the county. These businesses - driven by their social objectives rather than profit maximisation - can already be found in many sectors, from childcare to recycling, and in rural areas as well as our towns. For the first time, the Forum will be backed with real resources. In 2006, we will really be able to deliver for members and the wider community."
Dominic Scholfield, an OSEF executive member and the director of a social enterprise, the Oxford Cycle Workshop, said: “OSEF provides a point of contact for social enterprises and organises mutual support for its members.”
OSEF’s relaunch event, as well as outlining OSEF’s future plans and providing networking opportunities, will offer the chance to hear Martyn Baker of the Faringdon Area Project talk about how he has increased their income by selling direct to customers. There also will be a prize draw for anyone who attends or who sends their business details to the address below. In addition, everyone there may collect a free copy of OSEF's new Business Support Directory and information about a new £1,000 grant available for social enterprises, offered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
Attending the event is free and there will be refreshments at the start (4.15 for 4.30) and end (over by 7.00 at the latest). To attend, e-mail Laura Cruikshank at:
Laura.cruikshank@businesslinksolutions.co.uk or phone 01844 210 442 by 5.00pm Friday 9 Decemeber 2005. (405 words)
Manuela Da Costa-Fernandes
e-mail:
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