Growing the new economy

This national convention for 300 people will bring together key decision makers from local authorities, health and other local public institutions, leaders of co-operatives and social enterprises and funders and investors.

It will explore how co-operatives and social enterprises can support inclusive economic growth as part of a wider move to “reset the dial on local economic development”. The event will combine a lively mix of plenary discussions with three interactive breakout sessions covering a choice of up to 20 topics (see below), as well as plenty of time for networking and table discussions, and browsing the exhibition.

The event will have a special focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing, ending with a clear call to action on key things prioritised by those present to move this agenda forward. The event will be preceded by a drinks reception on 11th February, 18.30-20.00 in central Manchester, hosted by the Co-operative Group.

Breakout sessions cover topics including:

• Catalysing change to support local social enterprise solutions – learning from E3M Alchemy.
• Social Sourcing and Public Benefit Partnerships: the Oldham innovation partnership for social prescribing.
• Social Enterprise Places. How does the SEUK social places programme support local social enterprise growth?
• “Keep it Local”. How can commissioners refocus their work to boost opportunities for local people and local providers?
• Can funders and foundations help to change the rules for the new economy?
• Social Investment in Place
• Building Co-operative and Social Enterprise Ecosystems
• Policy for Inclusive Growth and Industrial Strategy
• Community Wealth Building – the role of co-operatives and social enterprises
• Northern Roots – a practical session to help shape this exciting project that will create a 65 hectare agri-park to “grow opportunity” in Oldham
• #1 million owners. How to boost the growth of employee led cooperatives
• Social enterprises working together
• Responding to Climate Emergency – the role of co-operatives and social enterprise in community energy
• Building from the bottom-up. How can local community businesses work together to achieve impact?
• Social Value as a driver of inclusive growth
• Learning from Barcelona – live video link to learn about the experience of implanting the “Impetus plan” to grow the city’s social economy.

The convention will also include an open space strand with three breakout sessions proposed and selected by convention participants on the day.

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