Social Enterprise Advisory Group launched in Greater Manchester

The Social Enterprise Advisory Group will support the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) leaders and Mayor with recommendations that will help the sector succeed. GMCA want to support an ambitious agenda for social enterprise within Greater Manchester.

Rose Marley, CEO of SharpFutures which supports young people into employment in the creative and technology sectors, is taking on the role of interim Chair for the first 12 months.

A social enterprise is a commercial business or organisation that dedicates itself to improving social outcomes through reinvesting profits into community schemes and local projects, skills development or environmental causes.

The Social Enterprise Advisory Group will help GMCA to support the sector as part of the Greater Manchester Strategy and Local Industrial Strategy.

Rose Marley, Interim Chair of the advisory group and social enterprise leader, said:

We have a rich history of social reform in Greater Manchester, from the Chartists to the Corn Laws and the Suffragettes. There are now more social enterprises than ever before active in our region, and the sector is the fastest growing in the UK. Social enterprise has the potential to transform our economy and make a positive social impact on our city-region for the long term.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

As part of our local industrial strategy we are committed to creating the best possible conditions for social enterprises to thrive in our city-region, and this group will be at the forefront of guiding that strategy.

“Social enterprises have a vital role to play in helping Greater Manchester realise its potential through community-focused investment, innovation, and jobs growth, making this one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on, and grow old.”

Social enterprise leaders interested in involvement in the Social Enterprise Advisory Group have until 31^st December 2019 to submit applications.