Experts call for businesses to join forces

Experts at a Shropshire insurance broker are calling on other companies to consider backing social enterprise efforts to help improve the local community.

Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury are sponsoring the first ever Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Social Enterprise Summit, which is taking place on Wednesday at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury.

And they’re urging other local companies to sign up for the event which will celebrate the county receiving Social Enterprise Place status from SEUK.

Director Mark Freeman said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this event where key note speakers will share their experiences and knowledge on the benefits of social enterprise working.

“There will also be a workshop and networking opportunities, so it’s a great way for businesses to find out how social enterprise can benefit both the local community and their company at the same time.

“As a business with our roots firmly entwined within the Shropshire community, we are committed to giving something back wherever we can, and we support a whole host of organisations and causes to ensure community spirit is alive and well.

“When it comes to supporting other local businesses, our policy – which has been the same now for five decades – is also to try to source every service that we need from within a 20-mile radius of our offices.”

The social enterprise summit will celebrate the county’s Social Enterprise Place status – the award and programme aims to promote, raise awareness, and build the markets for social enterprise at a local and national level.

Guest speakers will include Peter Holbrook (CEO Social Enterprise UK), Cllr Shaun Davies (Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council), Dr Julian Povey (Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group), and Dr Judith Wester from Cedar CIC.

Tickets are available to book online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shropshire-telford-wrekin-social-enterprise-summit-the-future-of-business-tickets-38730436779

SEUK is the national body for social enterprises joining a network of pioneering hotspots around the UK and the world. Other sponsors of the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin event include Shropshire Council, Whittingham Riddell, University Centre Shrewsbury, Cedar Education, and Social Heart Fuse.