Bath Spa celebrates Social Enterprise Day

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Bath Spa University celebrates Social Enterprise Day

As a Gold Mark Accredited Social Enterprise, Bath Spa University is passionate about raising awareness of social enterprises and the difference they make. Bath Spa University is one of more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing an estimated £60bn annually to the economy. The University is also the first in the South West and one of only five universities in the UK to be awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark. 

Social enterprises are businesses that work to achieve positive social or environmental impact. They are primarily motivated, designed and driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Like all businesses, social enterprises seek to deliver profit by trading in goods or services, but they reinvest or donate at least half of those profits to their social or environmental mission. 

Social Enterprise Day takes place on Thursday 16 November 2023 and is a global event celebrating the incredible contribution that social enterprises make to communities and the environment across the world.  

This year saw the launch of the Bath Social Impact Network (BSIN), which brings together like-minded groups and individuals to improve and grow the social economy in Bath and North East Somerset. Members of BSIN have the opportunity to attend networking events, forge new business relationships, find out about external funding and gain access to specialised training sessions and workshops. The group has over 150 members and has run eight events, with a further seven taking place this year. 

BSIN have also launched their Social Investment Programme, funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, which gives local organisations access to free mentoring and workshops. These workshops are designed to inform organisations of the investment opportunities available, refine their social investment ideas and help them to increase their social impact. 

In recognition of a number of projects and initiatives including its Skills Bootcamps, partnerships with local partners including Youth Connect South West and Bath City Football Club, and the launch of BSIN, Bath Spa University has been nominated for two UK Social Enterprise Awards. The University beat more than 400 entries to make the shortlist for the UK Social Enterprise of the Year and the Community-Based Social Enterprise Award. 

Commenting on what the day means to them, Hannah Whiting, Head of Business Development at Bath Spa University said:  

“Social enterprises across the UK are changing lives and communities which is why we are proud to celebrate and be part of Social Enterprise Day. Our work in the community aims to grow the social economy, making it a better place for our students and everyone who lives there. The Bath Social Impact Network is a key part of this, allowing likeminded people and organisations to come together and collaborate, together we can make a difference. Social Enterprise Day allows us to recognise the vital work of everyone working in the Social Enterprise field.” 

Bath Spa University is a member of Social Enterprise UK, the national membership body for social enterprises. CEO Peter Holbrook said:  

“Social Enterprise Day is a celebration of the great work social enterprises up and down the country are doing to protect our environment and support communities in need. Where we spend our money can make change happen, and with social enterprises, you can be sure that your purchase will make a real difference.”  

To find more about social enterprise, visit Social Enterprise UK’s website.