News

Woolton Green Energy CIC has been set up to establish a biomass production plant on Merseyside to provide renewable fuel for businesses and homes across the region. Woolton Green Energy CIC are seeking to survey social businesses across Merseyside for feasability purposes.

Currently there is no production facility in the area with the majority of biomass fuels, particularly the wood pellets which they intend to produce, being imported from the continent, North America and China.

Health@Work are offering free places to SME's and social enterprises on the 'Impact on Depression' training course for line managers on Wednesday 28th July 2010 from 1-4pm at the Health@Work offices.

Elixir Foundations have received a raft of praise from the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, following strong growth and success despite a number of recent burglaries.

via Tom McDonough, liverpooldailypost.co.uk

A Bootle business which was put in jeopardy by a double-burglary has been praised by a government minister.

In April, LDP Business reported how Elixir Foundations lost £30,000-worth of IT equipment and tools in two break-ins in the space of two weeks.

Social entrepreneurs with bright ideas that will provide training, skills development, employment and independent living opportunities to tackle homelessness are being challenged to bid for a share of a £1.6million investment fund.

The Spark 2010 Challenge- building on the success of 2008 and 2009- was launched by founders John Montague, CEO of the TREES Group, and Nigel Kershaw, Chair of Big Issue Invest, with the continued support of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

SEN Associate member Connect Consultancy Organisation are hosting a presentation on Friday 23rd July on setting up 'Job Clubs'.

The event will be held at 2pm the Conservative Party office in Stockton Heath- opposite Morrisons with parking at the rear of the building.

A number of high profile speakers are due to present, including:

Centec is a Community Based Economic Development agency (CBED). As the first CBED of its kind it has over 20 years experience working with, and for, the communities of North East Liverpool.

Centec offers a broad range of services to the local community and is involved in city-wide initiatives. Centec has been awarded the prestigious Matrix award and is able to offer:

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has caused a 'battle of definitions' around what he considers a social enterprise, and the definition being pushed by the Social Enterprise Coalition.

via Gemma Hampson, socialenterpriselive.com

A battle of definitions exploded today after health secretary Andrew Lansley said the Department of Health's vision of the 'largest social enterprise sector in the world' may not fit with the ideals of the sector's umbrella body.

With a number of local authorities across the country already beginning preperations to set up Local Enterprise Partnerships, the North West Development Agency has released a statement clarifying its position in light of these new developments.

via nwda.co.uk

In response to a number of media reports on the NWDA's future, Robert Hough Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency said:

Open Eye Gallery will be hosting another of their photographers' network meetings on 20th July 2010 from 6.30pm.

Organised in collaboration with Redeye- the photographers' network. Liverpool-based duo McDoy Wynne (Stephen McCoy and Stephanie Wynne) talk about working in partnership and the challenges of balancing personal and commercial projects.

Local social care charity Crossroads Care Cheshire West and Wirral are in the process of recruiting some extra help to their team this week. In particular they are looking for volunteers to help with fundraising activities.

This is an excellent opportunity to help local people, as well as gain new skills and work experience. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about all aspects of the work carried out by Crossroads Care Cheshire West and Wirral.

Lucy Whiting, Director of Fundraising and Marketing says,