The Minister for the Third Sector last week delivered a rousing vote of confidence in the potential for social enterprises to deliver outstanding public services in London.
Phil Hope MP, speaking at LA Connecting London 2008, the third annual conference for local authorities organised by Social Enterprise London (SEL), argued that “social enterprises bring trust; professional, tailored care; innovation and value for money in delivering public service contracts.” He also outlined details of the new social investment risk capital fund:
“I want to help social entrepreneurs reach their full potential and have a developed range of policies designed to boost their access to finance, including a £10million risk capital fund and, if resources permit, using a portion of the money in dormant bank accounts for social investment..” (Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector).
The conference provided a forum for representatives from all 33 London boroughs and other key organisations to come together and discuss the future of social enterprise. The event offered delegates the opportunity to consider the ways in which social enterprises are getting ‘procurement-ready’. Delegates visited one of three of London’s thriving social enterprises in the morning, followed by a lively debate at the House of Commons in the afternoon.
The event was also addressed by John O’Brien, Chief Executive of London Councils, who stressed that ‘social enterprise represents a key part of the community empowerment agenda’; and David Richardson, Non-Executive Director of Serco Group PLC who emphasised the significant mutual benefits of ‘three way’, ‘pan-sectoral’ partnerships between public, social and private sectors.
SEL Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton commented:
“ Gaining equal access to public service contracts represents both the biggest challenge and most outstanding opportunity for the social enterprise sector. I am delighted that LA Connects provided such a positive forum for addressing the challenges and capitalising on the opportunities through lively and informed debate”.
Speaking prior to the event, London Mayor Boris Johnson commented:
"This will be a great way of helping Local Authorities engage with social enterprises, which will lead to better public services for all Londoners. I fully support the social enterprise movement and I send my best wishes to everyone in attendance."
Speaking following the event Minister for the Third Sector Phil Hope commented:
“The LA Connects Conference has been a great success and an ideal opportunity to increase people’s understanding about social enterprises and address key concerns about the challenges which social enterprises face.”
