Celebrate social enterprise day with Co-Cars & Essence

Exeter’s first social enterprise pop-up marketplace is happening in Princesshay on Friday 16 November. Taking place in Bedford Square from 10.00 to 16.00, it celebrates Social Enterprise Day 2018 by bringing together members of ESSENCE, the city’s Social Enterprise Network.

Co-cars, who have co-ordinated the event, will be there promoting the two new electric cars joining their Exeter network. Costing just £4.75 an hour or £34 per day to hire*, they will shortly be arriving in Queen Street and Bonhay Road, just moments from Central and St David’s stations. The company also runs Co-bikes, the city’s electric bike scheme, and will have an e-bike there for people to try.

Mark Hodgson, Co-cars and Co-bikes founder, commented: “As a social enterprise, we’re all about doing ‘good business’ and I’m delighted to be able to collaborate with ESSENCE on this event. It’s also great it coincides with the arrival of two new electric cars for our Exeter fleet – they’re zero emission and great fun to drive!

“Our car and bike schemes give people proper alternatives to owing a car whilst saving them money and helping them become more active. Plus, they get to feel good about reducing both traffic and pollution and ultimately making our city a better place to live.”

Daphne van Run, Network Lead for Exeter’s Social Enterprise Network (ESSENCE), added: “ESSENCE members are a diverse and vibrant part of Exeter’s business community.  This marketplace is a great way to highlight some of the amazing work they do in helping create a more inclusive and sustainable local economy.”

Joining Co-cars is Cosmic, experts in all things digital, who are bringing a giant doll’s house equipped with gadgets to demonstrate the connected home.  Shoppers can talk to them about joining the ‘Positive People’ programme which offers free support and training across a number of fields, including developing and improving digital technology skills.

Chime, who represent the best of the NHS’s hearing services, are coming with the latest camera technology to give people a chance to look inside their own ears. A Specialist Audiologist will be on hand to advise anyone concerned about hearing loss or wax clearance and on the range of invisible hearing solutions they offer.

Exeter Velocities will be there to share their new programme Origins. This is a social innovation and enterprise programme to support individuals and groups within Exeter’s diverse communities so they can develop local solutions to the issues facing our city and help create impactful change. Exeter Velocities will talk about the two roots of support, guidance, expertise and training on offer within Origins.

Social Enterprise Day 2018 takes place the previous day, 15 November, and raises awareness of businesses who put people and planet first.  Visit Social Enterprise UK to find out more, including details of their annual #WhoKnew campaign.