Social Enterprise Visits

The Social Enterprise Visit Programme launched in March 2003 as a partner to the former Inside UK Enterprise programme.

As well as attracting leaders and managers from Social Enterprises, audit the visits also attract executives from private sector companies in England.

"A brilliant day, really informative, with lots of opportunity to share best practice - lots of variety, particularly enjoyed the friendly, relaxed atmosphere". Visitor from a High Street Bank to TTC 2000.

The aims of this one-day visit programme are to:

Provide an accessible and flexible model to share management best practice across pc social enterprises in England

promote learning across social enterprises and mainstream businesses

showcase the business achievements of social enterprises to the wider business community.

The programme tackles a wide range of business issues and operates in all parts of the economy.

Who can visit?

Leaders and representatives from social enterprises who know enhanced business performance achieves social goals quicker.

Leaders and managers from the private sector who can gain fresh insights from social enterprises business strengths.

Managers from the voluntary sector wanting to learn more about heavy duty successful social enterprise.

Some of the general business topics covered under this programme include:

customer focus

business planning

people issues

raising finance

marketing

leadership

exploring new markets.

Topics specific to the needs of social enterprises are also covered.

Visits can be customised to accommodate groups from single organisations.

Further information

What is a Social Enterprise?

A business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.

Social enterprises tackle a wide range of social and environmental issues and operate in all parts of the economy. They include local community enterprises, social firms, mutual organisations such as co-operatives, and large-scale organisations operating nationally or internationally.