York is set to take centre stage this autumn as it launches a Festival of Social Enterprise, a new event putting community, innovation and socially-conscious business at the heart of the city’s future.
Running across late October and early November, the festival will bring national expertise to the region with major players in the sector secured as keynote speakers. Communities, businesses, civic leaders, social entrepreneurs and changemakers both locally and from across the country will come together to highlight the vital role social enterprises play in tackling society’s most pressing challenges, from health and housing to education and economic inclusion.
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Social, Cooperative and Community Economy is just one of the keynote speakers. He will provide a policy and place-based perspective on social enterprise, discussing how councils and combined authorities can enable social enterprise-driven change as well as examples of good practice nationally observed through the APPG.
Social enterprise specialist Devi Clark, from Social Enterprise UK, will bring her expertise in impact ecosystem development and community-led enterprise to the festival. Driven to help people make impactful change to bring about a more just and sustainable world.
Devi Clark said:
I’ve always believed the most powerful change comes when communities lead the way.
York has a rich tradition of social enterprise and now is the moment to build on that legacy – by investing in people, strengthening collaboration across sectors and backing community leadership.
The Festival is a catalyst for this work, bringing the city together to shape its future.
Sam Gardner, Director of Enterprise Works at the University of York, which is organising the festival, said it’s about action, not just awareness.
Sam Gardner said:
By connecting diverse voices from across York and North Yorkshire we will create meaningful partnerships that influence regional, place-based policy and put people first.
Social enterprises are on the frontlines of York’s biggest challenges – from poverty and housing to mental health, social care and climate resilience. They reinvest profits to strengthen communities and deliver where traditional business models fall short.
To unlock their full potential, we must recognise them as vital partners in York’s future.
The Festival of Social Enterprise will explore how these purpose-driven businesses can shape our city’s growth, public services and long-term wellbeing.
Festival Highlights include:
Skills Day – Friday 24th October, The Milner Hotel, York
A hands-on workshop designed to help social entrepreneurs and community leaders craft stories that inspire, build strong connections and Influence decision-makers.
Partnerships Event – Monday 3rd November, Priory Street Centre, York
Buyers and social enterprises will come together for an interactive “Meet the Buyer” session, with keynote speaker Kate Welch OBE who will share insights on creating collaborations that last. Kate, who was awarded her OBE in 2008 for services to social enterprises in the North East, is a serial social entrepreneur and founder and Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Acumen CIC.
Policy Day – Friday 7th November, Priory Street Centre, York
A powerhouse panel of civic, social and regional leaders will explore how York can embed social enterprise into growth and regeneration strategies.
Alongside Patrick Hurley and Devi Clark, confirmed speakers include:
Leading York-based social entrepreneurs and community champions, including Sam Leach, co-founder of Spark CIC and Chair of the Mayoral Authority Community Wealth Building Board, Lisa Green from Door 84, Sue Williamson from Tang Hall SMART and Art of Protest’s Tim Bleszynski.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central
Neil Berry, Head of Programmes, Access Foundation for Social Investment
Cllr Peter Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council
For Sam Leach, the Founder of Spark York CIC, the festival is an opportunity to showcase how social enterprise can transform local economies.
Sam Leach said:
Social enterprise is a huge force for good in our city and region, supporting communities and individuals. At a time when so many people are facing desperate need, our strength lies in working together – not just across the social enterprise sector, but in partnership with business, public services and the wider community. By joining forces, we can deliver lasting change for York and the people who need it most.
The Festival of Social Enterprise is free to attend.
For more information about the festival, please visit https://www.york.ac.uk/enterprise-works/social-enterprise/york-festival-social-enterprise/
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