UK's largest social enterprise conference to be staged in Birmingham » Communities » 24dash.com

Birmingham and the West Midlands region have achieved a major event coup by attracting Voice -  the largest UK conference for social enterprise - to the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Birmingham from February 10-11, 2009.

Voice09 will be the fifth anniversary of the conference. The Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) is the national body for social enterprise and is staging next year’s event with the support of Advantage West Midlands and Birmingham City Council.

Social enterprise is a growing sector of profit-making businesses set up to tackle social or environmental issues – and more than 1,000 conference delegates and 80 exhibitors are expected in Birmingham, including leaders from social enterprise, the Government, financial institutions and business support providers.

There are over 5,554 social enterprises in the West Midlands, supporting around 156,500 jobs and generating over half a billion pounds in traded income. Over 300 social enterprises turn over in excess of £1 million annually.

There are 1,254 (22.6% of the regional total) based in Birmingham and Solihull. Another 1,175 (21.2%) are based in Coventry and Warwickshire.*

Voice has grown considerably over the past five years and the programme for 2009 is shaping up to be the best and most interactive yet - consisting of influential speakers, workshops, thought-provoking debates, and opportunities to network.

Jonathan Bland, Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Voice to Birmingham for the first time and in particular to the International Conference Centre.

"This venue will give us the opportunity to take advantage of the huge interest there is already in Voice09.”

Mick Laverty, Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands, said: “Birmingham is the youngest and one of the most diverse cities in Europe, and we are delighted Voice09 is being staged at the capital of the West Midlands region.
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“The West Midlands is an ideal location given the diversity of the region’s population and sectors in which social enterprises operate.

“Advantage West Midlands has supported a social enterprise network since 1999 and the work with partners starts now to ensure the event is a success regionally and nationally.”

Councillor Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "We are delighted to hear that SEC's national conference will be held in Birmingham and look forward to welcoming delegates to the city.

“I am sure they will receive a warm welcome and will take full advantage of all the city has to offer to the visitor."

For more information on Social Enterprise, visit www.socialenterprise.org.uk/Default.aspx or www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk

Picture shows Mick Laverty (left), chief executive at Advantage West Midlands, and Jonathan Bland, chief executive at the Social Enterprise Coalition.