Activism

What's to come after our South West social enterprise event in Brixham

Big Issue Invest called on social enterprises across the South West to come 'Network, Share and Learn' at a social enterprise networking event, which took place at YES Brixham in Torbay this month. We'll be back.

by: Hekla Goodman

11 Oct 2019

We were delighted to be able to network, learn and share with delegates at our first local outreach event held at our very own social investment investee YES Brixham, based in Torbay.

Attendees heard direct from the Andrew Wade (CEO of YES Brixham) and Danny Wilson-Dodd (deputy-CEO of Big Issue Invest) how YES Brixham moved from a grant-dependant operating model to one where the charity generates its own income through rents and trading.

Andrew explained how the charity was able to raise blended investment (capital grants and loans) and led attendees on a tour of the charity’s impressive operations (including Men in Sheds, a Charity Shop, a re-purposing workshop and eight affordable homes.

Daniel Wilson-Dodd said,

I think the day was a great success – these events are an important way for the sector to share ideas and knowledge, and be inspired to work in different ways.

Delegate Rob Passmore stated,

I came away fizzing with ideas and very glad I made the effort to come.

We were delighted to hold the event and are hoping to hold further events in 2020. Please do get in touch you would like us to look at holding an event in your area.

Danny Wilson-Dodd also wanted to make a formal apology to attendees, as the venue we had chosen had limited access. We have learnt from this and are committed to ensuring that all future events have appropriate access for all.