Social Enterprise North West Fair Trade in Bolton, UK
Representation of Barka UK was invited to take part in Trade Fair programme 2011 in Bolton on 18th of October. It was organised by well know organisation of entities called Social Enterprise North West represented by Val Jones who opened this event. All representatives had an opportunity to talk to exhibitors of social enterprises ventures and attend selected workshops related to this part of UK economy. During those meetings current issues were raised and discussed. Speakers including representatives of Social Enterprise UK, City Central Bid and social entrepreneurs linked to SENW pointed out patterns of social enterprise sector developments as well as they showed their approach and solutions for the near future.
During this visit Barka UK strengthened contact with Chara Trust and Godwin Bateren so we had been recommended and introduced to their partners who also took part as exhibitors in this event. We exchange experience with members of Chara Trust and we got acquainted with their project e.g “Steps to Success” which is similar in its ideas to Social Economy Centre run by Barka UK in London. “Steps to Success” is a project, partially funded by the European Union, which began in September 2009. Its aim is to guide and support people in the North West of England who are unemployed or whose jobs are under threat. Establishment of the project say about help offered to those unemployed to improve their chances of finding employment, particularly in the ever growing Social Enterprise Sector.
During networking sessions we had a chance to talk about current outlook for UK and EU economy and social enterprise developments impact on it within next few years. Implementation of good practices in society was a key issue to work on especially when Europe face high number of unemployed people.
Please find other discussed matters during all workshops on attached agenda in attachment. SENW Fair Trade program – In Business for Good. SENW Fair Trade programme 18.10.2011