The social enterprise network in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a group of people who work in or around social enterprise, and meet on an approximately quarterly basis to network and communicate. In order to be as inclusive as possible, there are no formal membership requirements to attend the meetings, and we have in the past welcomed people from many different backgrounds, all of whom have something to contribute to the mix. Attendees are encouraged to join Social Enterprise East of England, the regional body for social enterprise networking, and The Social Enterprise People, but it is not necessary to do so.
People come to the meetings because it is an opportunity for like-minded colleagues to meet and share experiences or good practice and potentially form new partnerships and collaborations. Newcomers to the world of social enterprise have also learned a lot from chatting to people about their work in the sector.
The format of the meetings is usually to hear a presentation and have a short discussion about a particular theme, then plenty of time is allowed for general networking and chatting with colleagues. All of the meetings are free, generally last for 2 or 3 hours, and refreshments are provided.
If you would like to attend a networking meeting, please contact David Coulson or Tom Barden at The Social Enterprise People on 01223 360977, or email david@thesocialenteprisepeople.co.uk or tom@thesocialenterprisepeople.co.uk.
CAPSEN is currently hosted by The Social Enterprise People, the social and co-operative enterprise support agency for Cambridgeshire. The Social Enterprise People offer specialist business advice and training, conduct research and lobby public bodies to promote social enterprise.
