Networking: Social Enterprise Coalition seeks Ambassador applications

The British Government is inviting people passionate about using business to create social change to apply to become social enterprise ambassadors.  Ambassadors also need to have a track record in social enterprise so they can use their experience to inspire others, according to Jonathan Bland, chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition.

Mr Bland made the comments at the launch of the Government-funded Ambassadors Programme at the Oxo Tower in London on Tuesday (July 24) - which as a Development Trust is itself a social enterprise.  Mr Bland also met the new Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the day to discuss the programme. Mr Brown said the ambassadors will "inspire more people across the country to combine their business skills with a desire to deliver lasting social and environmental change." Mr Bland added: "If you are passionate about using business to create social change and you can motivate others to feel the same you should apply to be a social enterprise ambassador.  "As an ambassador you will inspire the next generation of people who have business on the mind but social justice in the blood. "You will be at the forefront of a movement that is gathering momentum every day and as such you will be able to make a real and lasting contribution to building a fairer society."

At the launch Mr Bland announced a number of publicly known ambassadors including:
·         Monty Don, celebrity gardener and social entrepreneur
·         Liam Black, chief executive officer, Fifteen
·         Tim Smit, co-founder and chief executive of Eden Project
·         John Bird, founder and chief executive, Big Issue, supported by Nigel Kershaw, chief executive of Big Issue Invest
·         Penny Newman, chief executive, Cafedirect
·         Lord Victor Adebowale, chief executive, Turning Point
·         Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of the "Apprentice" and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust

Tim Campbell spoke at the launch and said: "Business is the motor of change and the best way to solve many of the social issues we face in this country. Though many companies are already doing amazing things to fight social injustice there is room for so much more. "I think all business has a responsibility to follow the example of the people in this room and put at least some of their profits towards social goals. The social enterprise business model can turn capitalism into a genuine force for good."

John Bird, who brought a Big Issue vendor with him to explain how social enterprise had changed his life, added: "Social enterprise refreshes parts that businesses and charities do not always manage to refresh. It provides enterprise and opportunity and taps into skills and abilities that in other circumstances may never have been utilised. Social enterprise is big on delivery and big on opportunity."

Cafedirect's Penny Newman said: "Social enterprise is first and foremost an intrinsically sensible business model. But secondly, from a personal perspective, I can't imagine a job that could be more enjoyable. Working for a social enterprise is challenging, dynamic, fun and most of all deeply fulfilling. It is the only job that allows you to do well by doing good. "I am honoured to be a social enterprise ambassador and hope many others who make profits and drive social justice will help me spread the word about the movement."

The launch was attended by hundreds of key players in the social enterprise movement, including high profile politicians such as Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector

Ed Miliband said: "Only one in four people know what a social enterprise is - and raising awareness is key to ensuring consumers, investors and entrepreneurs who are motivated by more than money alone know what options are open to them.  "The ambassadors will take up the gauntlet to open up the opportunities of social enterprise to as many people as possible, to catalyse enthusiasm in every region of the country and to continue to engage more and more people in this dynamic route to social change."

A further 20 ambassadors are to be recruited over the next month. They will inspire budding social entrepreneurs and raise awareness of social enterprise as both a viable business model and fulfilling career choice.  The ambassadors are a key part of the Social Enterprise Action Plan, which was launched last year by Gordon Brown.  They will be expected to commit to around 12 days a year over the next three years. Their duties will include speaking to the media, attending events, inspiring new entrants to the sector and winning over key professionals.

Application packs for those wishing to become ambassadors can be downloaded from the Coalition's website www.socialenterprise.org.uk.  click here to link to the website

If you need more quotes, facts, or professional photos of the event please contact the Coalition's press officer Katy Duke on 020 7793 2318, 07974 217 681 or katy.duke@socialenterprise.org.uk