In the zone
24 October 2012
Boosting the creation of social enterprise in
the Falkirk area was top of the agenda at today's conference at the
Inchyra Hotel and Spa in Polmont.
The event was attended by individuals interested in starting up
a social enterprise or developing social enterprise activity within
their organisation.
The Helix was represented by Ronnie Simpson, head of business
development.
Ronnie is pictured above (far left) with the other conference
speakers (from 2nd left): Kenny Murphy, Chief Executive, CVS
Falkirk and District; Pat Bowie, General Manager,
Re-Union Canal Boats; Dave Park, CVS Falkirk and
District; and Mark Rait, Head of Communities, Shaw
Trust. Missing is Rhona Geisler, Director of Development
Services, Falkirk Council, who gave the welcome
address.
Ronnie spoke about Ideation (ideas creation), where the
key to creating new social enterprises could be framed around the
process of generating, developing and communicating new business
ideas.
Rather than thinking solely of offering services that
substitute for public sector services, he encouraged potential
start-ups to develop innovative business offerings. He suggested
that linking ideas to the potential for increased tourism in the
Falkirk area brought about by the Helix could be the
key.
Ronnie Simpson talks about the Helix legacy
Ronnie closed the event on the subject of the Helix
Legacy. He described how the Helix will act as a catalyst for
community economic development and future business growth. He then
launched the start of the Helix Social Enterprise Zone covering all
of the Falkirk Council area.
Said Ronnie: "The key to launching this zone was the
coming together of a working partnership of CVS, Falkirk Council,
Scottish Canals and The Social Enterprise Academy, along with a
willingness to make a difference.
"The Falkirk area is not awash with large numbers of
social enterprises compared to other areas in Scotland. With the
benefit of partnership working supported by an enthusiastic
community, I believe things will now quickly take
shape."
Below: delegates gather by the Helix display
