PossAbilities showcased at Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Summit

Photo: Paul Husband Photography

‘Centre Stage’, a photograph of the PossAbilities annual show at The Middleton Arena

Rochdale based PossAbilities are one of the social enterprises being showcased today, Thursday 15 November, Social Enterprise Day, as part of the Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Summit in Manchester, which will also see the launch a new vision for social enterprise in the region, to enable the right conditions for social enterprises to succeed.

Rachel Law, Chief Executive, PossAbilities CIC said: "As a social enterprise based in the Rochdale borough, we are proud to be continuing the great tradition that began here with the co-operative movement.

“What we at PossAbilities have shown is that you have to get the enterprise bit right to add social value in the long term, and we are keen to support GMSEN by sharing our experiences with other social enterprises."

The event will include panel discussions and workshops, exploring topics such as digital innovation and social value, and showcase some of the region’s great diversity of social enterprises, which are addressing social needs, strengthening communities, enhancing culture or helping to protect the environment.

Greater Manchester is the historical home of social enterprise - the first Co-operative Congress was held in Manchester in 1827 and the Rochdale Pioneers established a consumer co-operative in 1844.

The Greater Manchester Social Enterprise Network (GMSEN) aims to continue this tradition by launching its new vision for social enterprise at the Summit. Produced in consultation with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, the aim is to enable the right conditions for social enterprises to succeed.

The ambition is to create a new wave of ethical and socially responsible business across Greater Manchester that will result in a more inclusive, diverse and vibrant economy across the region. The Summit will be the start of a process of engagement and discussion around the actions needed to deliver the vision, such as addressing limited access to financial and business support and a lack of awareness and visibility of social enterprise.