Press Archive
March 2010
Social Enterprise Business Support Programme
The Coalition is bringing together the work of two existing business support projects in order to promote sharing and maximise the benefit for social enterprise.
David Cameron signs up to Social Enterprise Charter
David Cameron has become the latest MP to sign the Social Enterprise Coalition’s charter, adding his name today to a growing list that includes Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs.
February 2010
Social enterprise movement calls for ‘no more business as usual'
The Social Enterprise Coalition has today urged the next government to support social enterprise to increase its contribution to the economy threefold by 2020.
Health and Social Care Conference
Register to attend the Coalition's Health and Social Care conference taking place in London on 16th March.
New blog post!
The Coalition's CEO, Peter Holbrook, has posted a new blog reflecting on the recent Voice10 conference. Read his highlights from the event here.
'Social enterprises: winning with 2012' London event
Join us on 30 March 2010, at this free London event to discuss the opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for social enterprises. Presentations, discussion and Q&A session. Register now.
BAME event series
The Coalition, in partnership with social enterprise regional networks, is hosting a series of events across England to inform the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community about the business opportunities available to them through social enterprise.
All the news from Voice10!
Voice10 has now drawn to a close after two days of social enterprise networking and debate...and some phenomenal circus perfomers! Find out where to go for a full round up.
Win the ultimate social enter-prize!
The Social Enterprise Ambassador programme has just launched its first-ever mentoring competition, offering an exclusive one on one session with one of the 28 ambassadors.
January 2010
Day one of Voice10 sets a challenge for social enterprise
Peter Holbrook, CEO of the Coalition, said he wanted to see a threefold increase in the contribution that social enterprises make to the GDP in the next ten years.
Brand new Coalition blog!
The Coaliton's new CEO Peter Holbrook kicks off his new blog with a post reflecting on his first weeks in the new role and his hopes for the Social Enterprise Mark.
Inventory of UK social enterprises offering post office services
The Coalition has been commissioned to construct a national inventory of social enterprises that offer post office and postal services.
Social Enterprise in Prisons and Probation Services released
The Coalition has published a report which maps social enterprise activity in the field of prisons and probation services. The report was commissioned by the National Offender Management Service and written by Concilium.
Senior Research Officer
The Social Enterprise Coalition is now recruiting for a Senior Research Officer on a short-term contract. If you think you can make an active contribution to the future of social enterprise read more on our job pages
December 2009
Goodbye from Jonathan Bland
Jonathan Bland steps down after six years, and thanks those who have inspired him along the way.
Highlights from 2009
This past year was a busy and exciting one for all of us here at the Coalition. Read about what we've done with and on behalf of our members in 2009.
Brighter Future Workshop takes home top prize at Awards
The Social Enterprise Awards gave out prizes last night to the best social enterprises in the UK, including Brighter Future Workshop, Global Ethics, Pack-IT, Bikeworks, and Holbrook Centre for Autism.
November 2009
Number 10 hosts winners of Social Enterprise Awards
Winners of the Social Enterprise Awards for England were honoured at a reception at 10 Downing Street.
New research released on Social Enterprise Day
Results of the first ever ‘State of Social Enterprise’ survey were released November 19 and they find optimism and growth in the sector, particularly when compared with other businesses.
Social Enterprise Mark coming in the New Year
The Social Enterprise Coalition and RISE have officially entered into a joint venture that will administer a new national Social Enterprise Mark, which will be launched in the New Year.
National winner of the Social Enterprise photography competition revealed
A photo capturing the excitement of a group of young people graduating from a project supported by social enterprise has won the 2nd Annual Social Enterprise Photography competition.
Take our job creation survey
We would like to know more about the plans social enterprises have to create jobs over the coming months. We especially want to know more about your experiences with the Government’s Future Jobs Fund. Please click 'read more' to get to the survey.
Social Enterprise Day is today!
Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, today is the day to celebrate social enterprise. Find out what the Social Enterprise Coalition has planned to mark the occasion.
Coalition response to Social Investment Wholesale Bank
The Coalition has released its response to the latest announcement on the Social Investment Wholesale Bank included in this weeks Pre-Budget Report
CIC Regulator Response released
The CIC Regulator has now published its Response and Impact Assessment to the Consultation on the Dividend and Interest Caps.
Coalition appoints three new Board members
The Coalition has now appointed the final three members to its Board. The new additions will join the six members elected in September and, along with two executive directors from the Coalition, make up the new Board of 12.
Shortlists for the national heats of the Social Enterprise Awards unveiled
The Social Enterprise Coalition and its partners in the nations have now unveiled the shortlists for the Social Enterprise Awards 2009. Each nation will crown winners in three different categories who will then go on to compete for the UK wide prizes.
October 2009
Coalition response on delivering secure low carbon electricity
The Coalition has now published a response to the consultation on delivering secure low carbon electricity and submitted it to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Liberal Democrats and social enterprises connect over breakfast
On 27 October, the Social Enterprise Coalition and the LGA Liberal Democrats co-hosted a breakfast meeting in Westminster. Amongst the attendees at the event was Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP.
Last day for schools in England to apply for social enterprise awards
Schools in England which are running their own social enterprise have until TODAY, Monday 26th October to apply to win in the Social Enterprise Awards.
BAME strategy launched
A new strategy to encourage Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities into social enterprise was launched on October 22 at an event in London for BAME female entrepreneurs.
Project Communications Officer
The Social Enterprise Coalition is now recruiting for a Project Communications Officer. You can find out more information on the role and how to apply on our social enterprise job pages.
Social enterprise BAME event
Book now for our upcoming BAME event entitled 'Women Making a Difference through Business'. The event is a free all-day event on October 21 in London, designed to inspire, empower and inform the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women about the business of social enterprise.
Response to the social investment wholesale bank
The Coalition stresses the need for a wholesaler but says that it needs to be independent, risk-taking and flexible, and that eligibilty should reflect the diversity of social enterprise.
Manifesto workshops
In the run-up to the next election the Coalition will be holding a series of workshops for its members and social enterprises to help shape its manifesto.
September 2009
Social Enterprise Coalition names new CEO
The Social Enterprise Coalition has announced that Peter Holbrook will become its new chief executive officer following the departure of Jonathan Bland in the New Year.
Thank you for your photos!
The deadline has now passed for the 2009 Social Enterprise Day Photography competition. Winners announced on November 19!
Social enterprise in schools awards
Apply now to win in the Social Enterprise Awards - schools category - a nationwide competition that will find and reward Britain’s best social enterprises. Closing date October 26.
Apply to join the Social Enterprise Coalition's board
The Coalition is seeking to appoint three additional board members (unpaid positions) to compliment those elected through its Council.
Social enterprise: The future of public services?
This interactive one-day conference is a must-attend event for anyone involved in commissioning, delivering or improving public sector services.
Communications Intern
The Social Enterprise Coalition is now recruiting for a Communications Intern. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to work within our communications team to raise the profile of the social enterprise movement. To find out more visit our job pages.
Cardiff to host Voice10
Voice, the largest annual conference for social enterprise in the UK, will mark its sixth anniversary in Wales on 1st and 2nd February 2010 at the Cardiff International Arena. Book before October 1st to receive a 10% discount.
Social Enterprise Coalition's elected board in place
The Social Enterprise Coalition's elected board is officially in place after voting by the Council has decided six of its members. An additional three appointed members will be appointed in the coming weeks.
August 2009
National photography competition
We are delighted to launch the second annual Social Enterprise Day photography competition for England, and this year, we want to show how social enterprise is more than just business as usual. Read more to find out how to enter.
Policy Support Officer
The Social Enterprise Coalition is now recruiting for a dynamic individual to support the policy team through a range of administrative and policy activities.
Social enterprise 'Identifier' project
Learn more about work being done in the movement to better promote social enterprise to a wider audience. How can social enterprise reach more people?
July 2009
Join us on Twitter
We're on Twitter. Receive our tweets to keep up to date with the latest news in the social enterprise movement.
Project Manager (BASIS and Capacitybuilders)
We are now recruiting for a Project Manager to manage our BASIS and Capacitybuilders projects. Read on to find out more information and details of how to apply.
New national Social Enterprise Awards
The Social Enterprise Coalition is calling on social enterprises from across the UK to apply for the brand new Social Enterprise Awards, a nationwide competition that will find and reward Britain's best social enterprises.
Coalition holds first Council meeting
The first meeting of the Coalition's inaugural Council was held Thursday July 2, in London. Read on for more details and information on the council.
June 2009
Social enterprises working with the National Offender Management Service
If you are a social enterprise working with offenders or are interested in doing so, please complete the Coalition & National Offender Management Service's (NOMS) survey. This aims to map existing NOMS involvement with the third sector.
May 2009
Coalition's inaugural Council meeting today
Following election, the social enterprise Council meeting will take place today, July 2 2009. Read more for further information.
Chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition to step down in October 2009
After six successful years leading the Social Enterprise Coalition, Jonathan Bland is stepping down at the end of October
Social Enterprise Summit wrap up
Coalition chief executive Jonathan Bland responds to Social Enterprise Summit between government and social enterprise leaders.
Read more for further information.
Coalition meets Prime Minister at launch of the 'future jobs' fund
A group of Coalition board members, Social Enterprise Ambassadors and other social enterprise leaders recently met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Hazel Blears, James Purnell and John Healey at 10 Downing Street for the launch of the £1 billion Future Jobs Fund.
Coalition's new council - voting now taking place
Nominations went out last week for election of membership on to the Coalition's new council. Members have now been asked to vote for who they would like to see on the council.
April 2009
Social enterprise summit
Minister for the Cabinet Office Liam Byrne and Secretary of State for Business Lord Mandelson will be co-hosting a social enterprise summit at Coin Street tomorrow (May 12). Read on for more information.
March 2009
BAME communities embrace social enterprise as a better way to do business
On 24 March 2009 social entrepreneurs from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities gathered at a day-long event in Luton to call for more awareness of businesses with social and environmental goals.
Coalition to work with RISE to review the Social Enterprise Mark
The Coalition's Board has approved a process to work with RISE to review the Social Enterprise Mark with a view to developing it further.
Take the 'social enterprise in the recession' survey
To continue to inform action to support social enterprises we need to know how the economic changes affect you. Please let us know your experiences by responding to our survey. Click 'read more' to take the survey here.
Social enterprise for all - BAME event, Luton
The Social Enterprise Coalition will be hosting the second in a series of one day events designed to inform the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community about the business opportunities available to them through social enterprise. Register here.
Coalition announces plans for Big Lottery funded BASIS programme
This programme aims to support the social enterprise sector develop, grow and be sustainable through improving social enterprise support throughout England.
February 2009
Liam Byrne announces plans for social enterprise at Voice09
The Minister for the Cabinet Office says social enterprises will be at the heart of the new economy.
David Cameron opens first day of Voice09
The Conservative Party leader opened the UK's landmark social enterprise event with a keynote speech on Tuesday 10 February.
Coalition responds to Cabinet Office plans for social enterprise
“A social enterprise summit between BERR and the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) is a really important step in placing social enterprise closer to the heart of the business agenda, and we welcome it fully.
Read on for full press release.
West Midlands businesses with social and environmental goals to be showcased at national event in Birmingham
Voice09, the UK’s annual conference for social enterprises - businesses set up to tackle a social and/or environmental need - is coming to Birmingham for the first time next week.
January 2009
David Cameron MP announced as keynote speaker for Voice09
The Conservative Party leader will open the Coalition’s annual social enterprise conference in Birmingham on 10 February.
December 2008
Happy New Year from the Social Enterprise Coalition
Chief executive Jonathan Bland and all staff at the Social Enterprise Coalition wish you all the best for the coming New Year. Read on for a look back at 2008.
Latest news: David Cameron confirmed as keynote speaker for Voice09
The Social Enterprise Coalition is pleased to confirm that David Cameron MP, Conservative Party leader, will open Voice09 with a keynote speech on Tuesday February 10. More details to follow.
November 2008
Winning photographs show how social enterprise transforms lives
From playing the drums to rolling gnocchi: the winner and runner up of the social enterprise photography competition exemplify the striking - and often surprising - range of what social enterprises do to transform lives every day. Read on for full press release.
Social enterprise: Making a difference - a guide to the 'Right to Request'
The Coalition and the Department of Health Social Enterprise Unit have developed guidance to support NHS staff who are thinking of taking up the ‘right to request’ - setting up a social enterprise to deliver healthcare services to NHS patients.
Poll shows increasing demand for businesses with social and environmental values
A YouGov poll commissioned by the Social Enterprise Coalition reveals that an overwhelming majority of people believe that social and environmental values of business are as or more important than before the onset of the credit crunch.
Social Enterprise Coalition AGM 2008
On Tuesday December 2, SEC had our annual AGM.
We were delighted that three proposals that we believe will enable us to move forward more effectively were passed unanimously.
October 2008
Voice 09
Voice 09 - the UK's premium conference for Social Enterprise - is taking place from the 10th-11th February 2009 in Birmingham. Click here to book your place.
The Phone Co-op wins top honour at 10th annual Enterprising Solutions Awards
The Phone Co-op, the UK's only telecommunications co-operative wins top honour at 10th Annual Enterprising Solutions Awards. Read on for full list of winners.
National Social Enterprise Day photography competition winners to be featured in the Big Issue and displayed at London’s Contemporary Urban Centre
National Social Enterprise Day photography competition winners to be featured in the Big Issue and displayed at London’s Contemporary Urban Centre; Entrants include staff from Fifteen London, the restaurant founded by Jamie Oliver.
Social Enterprise Day photography competition - thank you for your entries
Competition now closed. Thank you to all our fantastic entrants. Winners will be announced on Social Enterprise Day - November 20.
Health event - "Delivering Change: Social enterprise health & social care conference"
The social enterprise in health & social care conference will take place November 4, London
Social enterprise and the current economic upheaval - we need your voice
Complete our 5 minute survey - help us make the case for you and social enterprise in general to government, banks and others.
September 2008
Winners of 10th anniversary Enterprising Solutions Awards announced
The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony at the V&A Museum in London.
Delivering change: Social enterprise health & social care conference
The social enterprise in health & social care conference will take place November 4, London.
July 2008
Social Enterprise World Forum
The inaugural Social Enterprise World Forum is taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland from September 2nd to 5th 2008.
Birmingham to host the fifth year of VOICE, the UK conference for social enterprise in February 2009
Voice, the largest UK conference for social enterprise will mark its fifth anniversary in Birmingham from 10th to 11th February 2009.
Survey finds greater diversity and more equality in social entrepreneurship in the UK
New research released today shows that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities have higher levels of social entrepreneurship than the White community. It also finds that while women are only half as likely as men to be mainstream entrepreneurs, they are equally as or more likely than men to be social entrepreneurs.
Social Enterprise Coalition applauds Government proposals for health care
The Social Enterprise Coalition applauds the Government's proposals for social enterprises and nurse-led services to take the lead in health care
June 2008
Survey - social enterprises working with the National Offender Management Service
The Social Enterprise Coalition and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) are circulating an online questionnaire as part of a programme of research mapping the existing NOMS involvement with the third sector.
If you are a social enterprise working with offenders or are interested in doing so, please read more to complete our brief questionnaire.
Capacitybuilders announce £6 million to support social enterprise
Conservative party green paper June 08
May 2008
10th Annual Enterprising Solutions Awards 2008 Launched
For the 10th year in a row, the most dynamic and innovative social enterprises have been offered the chance to win over 10,000 pounds by the Social Enterprise Coalition
More for Your Money
Social Enterprise Delivers 'More for your Money', Ambassadors take a stand for social enterprise.
April 2008
Majority prefer to work for social enterprise
Blears supports local solutions
March 2008
Building social justice into business plans
Response to BERR's enterprise strategy