Social Firms UK

Social Enterprise Manager at Pluss Guy Eatherington is gearing up to cycle the length of Britain in support of the Big Society, and he is hoping to recruit the Prime Minister to lend his support along the way.

Guy’s ambition, when he sets off from John O`Groats on July 29th, will be to cycle 125 miles a day, completing his solo marathon ride all the way to Lands End, weather permitting, in 8 days. But before the big day comes the big practice, and the opportunity this week to drop off a personal invite for the Prime Minister….

Not content with regular training rides of up to 200 miles with other members of his local Cycle Touring Club, 40 year old Guy will be attending a professional conference in Blackpool this week – only to then cycle 303 miles all the way back home to Devon.

 Social Firms UK has been given an ‘Outstanding Impact Award’ for efforts in Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010.

On Social Enterprise Day on the 18th of November Social Firms UK raffled hampers sourced entirely from Social Firms to staff at Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Justice and Wates Construction head offices.

Only 131 out of over 700 organisers qualified for this badge of honour – which is awarded to those whose events were both inspirational and high impact.

See all listed with the others winners here http://www.gew.org.uk/badgeofhonourwinners.

Catering2Order's John Charles has been named as one of the most inspirational UK entrepreneurs at Barclays Trading Places Awards in London on the 30th of November.

He was runner up in these national awards that recognise people who have overcome personal adversity to successfully establish their own company.

Charles didn't let blindness stop his ambition and he set up London catering company Catering2Order in 2007.

The overall winner was Richard John Cartwright of Newcastle Books and the Community Award winner was Andrew Kent, who set up a car repair shop after a near fatal stroke and employs disabled and disadvantaged people from his local community.

 Dorking-based Netherne Printing Services (NPS) was visited by Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People, on Tuesday the 16th of November. Netherne is a commercial printing company and a Social Firm, as its primary purpose is to create meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

Staff talked to the Minister about their roles in the successful print company and the benefits of being in work.

The Department for Work and Pensions Minister’s visit was well-timed as Social Enterprise Day took place today (18th) during Global Entrepreneurship Week. This day is about encouraging people to use enterprising ideas for social and environmental change and is promoted by Enterprise UK and the Kauffman Foundation.