Norfolk Social Enterprise Network
From Norfolk RCC
The Norfolk Social Enterprise Network Association (NSEN) was formed in 2005 and currently runs on a voluntary basis. One of the key objectives of the Network is to provide a local arena for social enterprises in Norfolk to share information and work together. The Network has over 100 members and attends SEEE (Social Enterprise East of England) Board meetings representing the views of Social Enterprises in Norfolk.
NSEN E- Newsletter
The network publishes a regular e newsletter; please email Jane Taylor alewifebrewery@yahoo.co.uk to be added to the mailing list.
New Norfolk CIC opens its doors to benefit the community
Graphic Design and Print CIC has opened its new premises in Holt .They will employ people with learning disabilities, provide modern apprenticeships and offer training with 120 places available a year. The company is registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers and is delighted to be receiving graphic and print contracts from across the County. For more information visit http://www.gdpcic.com/about.html
New on line forum
Norfolk Social Enterprise Network and Thinking Rural CIC have built an on line resource as part of The Building Communities programme http://www.thinkingonline.org.uk The main focus of the site is to provide an on line forum for social enterprises who manage assets or who are looking to develop projects Please email NSEN at alewifebrewery@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to register for the forum.
Innovative Waste Scheme Set to Come to Norfolk
Britain's first zero waste centre could be built in South Norfolk after council officials signed an agreement to create a pioneering seven million pound facility with Lowestoft-based social enterprise Bright Green last month. The innovative centre, which could create over 100 jobs, would be a place where people could take unwanted waste and get paid for it to be taken off their hands; the items would then be sold to other people.The landmark memo of understanding between Bright Green and South Norfolk Council means the council have agreed to support the scheme and find a site for it. Bright Green is responsible for securing money forthe operation and running it.It is envisaged that other social enterprises and businesses would also make use of the resources available at the site.
FREE workshops for disabled entrepreneurs
An industrial unit is being converted to provide workshops for disabled entrepreneurs in Kings Lynn, thanks to funding from EEDA. In addition to woodwork metal work and a pottery it will also provide business support services together with computer and training rooms. Access will be made easy for people with multiple disabilities to move about and work freely and independently in the centre, which is due to open in May The workshops will be free for the first three years Tel 01553 770253 for more information
Wrinkle Zappers help celebrate National Social Enterprise Day
The Network celebrated SE day with some Skinny Berry Boosts and Wrinkle Zappers at Charlie’s Juice Bar in Norwich and were joined by interested local media who are keen to learn more about Social Enterprise as a business model. Charlie’s Juice Bar, billed as being the freshest Community Interest Company in Norwich, is situated at the top end of London Street At the same time as tantalizing your taste buds Charlie’s Juice and Smoothie Bar is playing a major role in helping people who face extra barriers in the job market to undertake training, gain work experience and enter paid employment. It helps people with mental health issues, learning difficulties, physical and other disabilities try out work experience, gain qualifications and gain employment with a purpose
New social enterprise welcomes members
A new enterprise has opened its doors to members http://www.buylocalnorfolk.org.uk. Buylocal is working to make local communities more economically sustainable by encouraging local businesses to buy from other local businesses. Money spent within a community with local independent traders is worth nearly three times as much to the local economy than that spent with multinationals. Buylocal, which has been set up with the help of LEGI funding aims to make an economic and social difference to peoples lives; visit their website for more information
New markets for rural producers
Rural producers have the opportunity to sell their products every day in Norwich City centre thanks to the social enterprise Produced In Norfolk. Stalls 40 and 41 now offer rare breed pork, venison, eggs, preserves and even Norfolk ready meals with dumplings all made by Norfolk farmers. More information on their website http://www.producedinnorfolk.com
Summer Network meeting
Community Interest Companies or CiC’s was the topic up for discussion at the summer lunch meeting of the network. Held at Artstop based in the beautiful Blickling Hall Estate members were able to learn more about the practical aspects of running a CiC from Meg Foster, Director. Following lunch, a tour of the studios of recent vibrant work with community groups was viewed.
