Businesses and Social Enterprises must work together to benefit the local economy

Exeter Chamber of Commerce joined forces with ESSENCE, Business in the Community and Business 4 Exeter Communities Group last week to deliver an afternoon of networking, presentations and workshops for business and social enterprise leaders. 

This event was well attended by a range of guests and members of the Chamber, local businesses and social enterprises. After facilitated networking over lunch, delegates attended two workshops of their choice, covering topics such as tackling finance, local economy, social media, marketing and branding and business planning.  

Viv Hignell, from Lloyds TSB Commercial, at present on secondment to Business in the Community, one of Prince Charles’ charities, helped to organise the event.  Viv said “the event was all about bringing business and social enterprise together so they can collaborate better for their mutual benefit and for the benefit of the local economy and Exeter communities.

I was delighted at the energy and enthusiasm within the room and will be working hard with Exeter Chamber and social enterprise networking group ESSENCE to ensure we maintain this momentum.”

Lorna Turner, Partner of The Fruit Tree for Business, said, “As a social enterprise adviser for Exeter and founder member of ESSENCE, I was delighted to see such a great turn-out. It was the first event of this format, bringing together business and social enterprise, and there seemed to a real appetite for more opportunities like this.

This type of event gives businesses and social enterprises the information; networking and development support that helps them grow and benefit the local economy and community.”

Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber, added “It was an excellent opportunity for the business community to meet and learn more about Social Enterprise companies. We look forward to greater networking opportunities in the future.”