Facilitating a Thriving Social Enterprise Sector in Cumbria Rob Randell Chair Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership

Background to Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership (CSEP) Formed in 2005 A broad partnership between SEs, the public sector and support agencies Initial engagement events led to: - A constituted partnership - Dedicated business support and networking programme - Strong links with the County Council, acting as accountable body

How CSEP Developed Initial mapping How many SEs in the Country, How many people employed in the SE sector, How many associated volunteers, etc. Increased internal understanding of the SE sector both locally and nationally. Growth of CSEP, increased SE start-ups and SE ownership Advocacy - increased external understanding of the SE sector, leading to increased role in mainstream partnerships

Economic Impact Further enhanced mapping: Update of base data Including new economic data Cumbrian Social Enterprises Contribute £325m to the economy Provide 4,000 jobs Involve 1,500 volunteers Spend 70% of their expenditure within the County

CSEP Now Approaching 800 members, CSEP now SE led Recognised economic and social impact Strong strategic involvement in the LEP Strong voice within the Third Sector Network An ongoing, positive and mature relationship with the Public Sector Wider successes - Alston Moor the UK’s first Social Enterprise Town, bidding successes with public sector contracts

Finally…. Two Questions Could Essex benefit from this? and…. Is it transferable?