It’s an exciting time for the Social Economy Network (Northern Ireland) - we’re now fully engaged in the second phase of the Network’s development, we’ve been contracted to manage the regional heat of a nationwide enterprise competition, we’ve just moved into new premises, and we’re preparing for our next annual conference which will be held in conjunction with the first all-Ireland Social Enterprise Trade Show. To keep our membership informed and networked, the Network has also recently held a number of information sessions and training workshops, and we have many more planned for 2008 including a session on Community Interest Companies in April. We’re also currently undertaking a significant membership drive to build a strong representative voice for the sector. Members are encouraged to fully engage with the Network to ensure the sector is strategically positioned in line with current and emerging political, social and economic developments. It’s vital that the Network has a strong membership to ensure a united voice for the social enterprise sector in our deliberations and communications with government and all stakeholders.

Gráinne Teggart - communications and membership officer, Stephanie McManus - administrator and Anne Graham - director of the Social Economy Network

As part of this representation, the Social Economy Network was recently one of a number of organisations to raise concerns about proposals made following the evaluation of the Northern Ireland Government Strategy Developing a Successful Social Economy 2004-07, and research into the administration of social economy policy in the other parts of the UK which was completed in July 2007. The findings and recommendations on options for the future delivery of social economy policy in Northern Ireland, including the transfer of policy responsibility from DETI (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment), were under consideration by the Minister during the latter months of 2007.

The Network met with the Minister to raise concerns about the proposed transfer. This lobbying was successful with the Minister deciding to retain lead responsibility for social economy policy within DETI - acknowledging the position of the social economy sector as vital in promoting enterprise, trade and investment in Northern Ireland.

DETI is now in the process of developing a second Social Economy Strategy for the period 2008 - 2011. While DETI is the lead department in this, the Social Economy Network recognises the crucial role that other departments and agencies, particularly DSD and Invest Northern Ireland, have in supporting the development of the sector and will be engaging with them all. The Network will engage with its membership to take their views on the issues and priorities which should be included in the next strategy.

In another positive development the Network has been contracted by Invest Northern Ireland to manage the Northern Ireland regional heat of the Enterprising Britain Awards - a nationwide competition to find places in the UK where enterprise has helped transform a community and led to improved economic prospects for everyone. The competition aims to identify the town, city, place or area in the country which is best improving economic prospects and encouraging enterprise.
Northern Ireland entrants have until 18 April 2008 to submit their application. Northern Ireland’s Regional Winner will be entered into the national competition on 31 May 2008 and will be visited by a high profile national judging panel in June/July 2008. As well as being entered into the overall Enterprising Britain Awards, the Northern Ireland Winner will receive a prize package consisting of a prize fund of £5000 provided by Invest Northern Ireland that the winning entry can draw upon to purchase goods or services which will assist in the development of their business project. Last year’s Northern Ireland winner was Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company Ltd which received the award for highly commended at the UK final.
The Network will also be hosting its Annual Conference on 9 June 2008 in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. The focus of the conference will be on the three key drivers for a successful Social Economy - political will; supportive strategies and policies; and effective networking within and outside of the social economy sector.

We would encourage delegates from Northern Ireland and indeed throughout the whole of the UK to attend the conference - please do not hesitate to contact us if you’d like programme details. The conference will be run in conjunction with ‘NetWORKS Trade Show’ which takes place on 10 June 2008 in Belfast - a particularly important event as it is the first all-Ireland social enterprise trade show.

Organisations can become members of the Social Economy Network for a nominal £35 annual subscription fee. For more details about the benefits of membership, go to www.socialeconomynetwork.org

Go to www.networkstradeshow.com for more information about the NetWORKS Trade Show