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Networking events for business focused women
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| Big Issue Opportunities Event |
| 02/06/2010 17:05 |
Social entrepreneurs flocked to a recent event at which they listened to speakers on a range of topics - including the background to the ‘Big Issue’ from the magazines founder John Bird.
West Lancashire Social Enterprise Hub, funded by West Lancashire Borough Councils Enterprising West Lancashire project, hosted the event on 9th February 2010 to help inspire those who work for community, environmental and social benefit.
It was a resounding success with more than 70 individuals attending the event to listen to the tales of those organisations who have made a difference in society.
Key speaker on the night was John Bird, founder and editor-in-chief of the Big Issue - a news and current affairs magazine launched in 1991. Since then, the publication has become one of the biggest social businesses in the world and has worked wonders, giving homeless people the opportunity to engage in helping themselves by selling magazines on a self-employment basis and earning a dignified living in order to break out of the poverty cycle.
John himself was born into a poor family and became homeless at the age of five. He went through his early years in an orphanage and then prison. However, he started his own printing and publishing business and from there the Big Issue was born. In 1995 he was awarded an MBE for services to homeless people.
Other inspirational speakers on the night included:
Maureen Fazal, one of the founders of the West Lancashire Community Recycling Service. She was able to talk about their plans for the future and achievements of providing quality used and re-conditioned furniture and other domestic goods at low cost to people in need and reducing the amount of furniture and household goods ending up in landfill
Peter Cousins (MBE) from Brighter Futures in Skelmersdale which is a disability friendly facility, equipped for the repair and servicing of electric mobility scooters, wheel chairs, power chairs and other disability equipment.
Dave Dawes, who focused providing hints and tips on working with the public sector
Councillor Adrian Owens, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Estates, said: "This was a fantastic event and even John Bird described it as being both ‘inspirational and phenomenal’. It was so good to hear how these social enterprises have made such a radical difference to the people they help and I’m sure their stories will help other similar ventures flourish. Those who attended were very positive about the event and were able to network and share experiences with others afterwards."
Social Enterprises are incredibly diverse, from co-operatives, development trusts, community enterprises and housing associations to leisure trusts and football supporter trusts. If you would like more information on the West Lancashire Social Enterprise Hub, please contact Martin Trengove at CVS on 01695 733737 or email martint@wlcvs.org.
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