Last month I attended the Launch of the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Economic Growth Strategy. See:- https://llep.org.uk/economic-growth- strategies/economic-growth-strategy/ . The strategy revises and updates a number of previous documents. It is like most such strategies determinedly upbeat and optimistic. You can see the launch on YouTube:- https://youtu.be/9x5bDAgJZFs. The launch was followed by a question & answer session. So I posed the question:-
Is there a role for Social Enterprises?
Inevitably time was limited so the panel did not get around to my question. But subsequently it was reviewed by the panel who sent a written answer: –
Social enterprises will be instrumental in supporting inclusivity through assisting in the reduction of digital poverty within the Leicester and Leicestershire region. The LLEP has already developed the Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) which brings together public, private and charity sector organisations to help increase the digital capability of individuals and organisations in the Leicester and Leicestershire region. The LLEP will also be working to embed wellbeing at work initiatives for those most at risk of health inequalities, economic exclusion and poverty. This will involve working in partnership with social enterprises to develop broader strategic partnerships and initiatives for wellbeing at work for all employers and employees.
I was delighted to receive a response and particularly one written in such positive terms. The sectors identified: “digital skills” and “well-being at work” are clearly ones where the LLEP wishes to see further development. Social Enterprises such as Leicester Startups CIC, B-inspired, E3, and others are already very active in the area of Digital Skills. To say nothing of course of our 3 Universities and about a dozen colleges involved in adult education – all of which on a broad definition are Social Enterprises. Social Enterprise activity in the field of “well-being” is with the notable exception of Inclusion Healthcare CIC a bit harder to identify. So this could be a good development opportunity.
Missing from the reply were three other sectors significant for Social Enterprise.
Firstly Tourism Development. From Bradgate Park to the National Space Centre numerous Social Enterprises are active in this area. From mighty oaks like the National Forest, the National Trust (Stoneywell Cottage), and the Canals & Rivers Trust (Ashby Canal) right through to our two heritage railway lines and little saplings like Ulverscroft Grange. Secondly Vocational Training. Provided not only by about a dozen Further Education Colleges but also by specialists like Trans4m CIC and the Youth Education Project. Thirdly Workspace Development. In places as unlikely as North Braunstone [the Braunstone Box] and St Matthews [the Phoenix Studios]. Social Enterprises are in my view well placed to take the risk of lower financial returns by creating smaller spaces for smaller start-up businesses. That may well grow into mighty oaks.
Please tell us below what you think of the LLEP Economic Growth Strategy.