Foster opens social economy trade exhibition

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today opened a flagship trade exhibition specifically for the social economy sector.

Hosted by the Social Economy Network, the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event at Grosvenor House in Belfast was attended by over 130 delegates and 33 social economy enterprise organisations from across Northern Ireland.

As well as showcasing social enterprise organisations, the event provided useful information about the procurement processes used by the public and private sectors.

The Minister said: “Growing a dynamic, innovative economy involves the continued development of the social economy sector.

“Events such as this one today are a clear demonstration of how the private and public sectors are working together to promote opportunities to further develop the concept of the social economy as a vehicle for the delivery of public services.”

Anne Graham, Director, Social Economy Network said: “This event gives social enterprises the opportunity to acquire new business leads by bringing them into direct contact with potential buyers from the public, private and voluntary sectors.”

The Minister also recognised the achievement of the Social Enterprise Mark by five social economy enterprise organisations - Holywell Consultancy, Colin Glen Trust, LEDCOM, Out & About Enterprises Ltd and Workspace.

The Social Enterprise Mark is the new brand for social enterprises developed by the social enterprise movement. It is administered by the Social Enterprise Mark Company, a joint venture between the Social Enterprise Coalition the national body for social enterprise, and RISE, the social enterprise regional network for the South West of England.

Arlene Foster added: “The Mark will identify businesses which meet defined criteria for social enterprise, and consumers will recognise that businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit both people and planet.”

The event was sponsored by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Invest Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department for Social Development, the Health and Social Care Board, the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the HSC Public Health Agency.

Notes to editors:

1. The Social Economy Network is a membership-based organisation that draws its membership from Social Economy organisations throughout Northern Ireland. The Network seeks to build, support and strengthen the Social Economy sector . Further details about the Social Economy Network can be found on the Social Economy Network's website
2. A social enterprise is a business with primary social objectives whose surpluses are re-invested, for that purpose, in the business or in the community rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders or owners.
3. For press enquiries please contact DETI Press Office on tel: 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.