Social enterprise is moving forward

AROUND 100 budding entrepreneurs and business owners attended a major conference to inspire growth and development of social enterprise.

The ‘Moving Forward Together’ event, aimed to provide a better understanding of opportunities available.

The joint venture between Business Link North-West and Oldham and Rochdale councils, also encouraged more entrepreneurs to get involved in social enterprise — businesses which trade for social and environmental purposes and re-invest profits to further their mission for positive change.

Guest speakers at the event, held at Middleton Arena, included Angela Wellon, managing director of Oldham’s First 4 Disabilities.

Angela, who was named Businesswoman of the Year at the One Oldham Business Awards, told how she was inspired by her family to start up her own business, which offers a range of care services to children and young people with disabilities and their families.

Among her advice for those wanting to succeed was to “always take a positive from a negative” and to expect running a social enterprise to be a “rollercoaster ride”.

The conference also heard from Angela Davies, of the Co-operative Group; and Peter Kilkenny, of Link4Life which manages cultural services for Rochdale Council.

Delegates were made aware of the free and impartial business information and advice available from Business Link North-West.

Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes said: “Oldham Council is committed to working with our partner organisations to give local businesses the best possible help and support during these testing financial times.

“Events like this ensure budding entrepreneurs and business owners see they are not alone when they try to take advantage of the social enterprise opportunities open to them.”

Lorraine Sutter, strategic partnership manager for Business Link North-West, said: “This event was designed to ensure social enterprise in Rochdale and Oldham is as healthy as it should be and that people on the social enterprise journey are aware of the help available to them.”