Bath’s first networking group for businesses with a social conscious and organisations that support them is to be officially launched next week.
Bath Social Impact Network will be the first of its kind in the wider Bath area and will offer members support to help them flourish through collaboration and idea generation.
Launched as a partnership between Bath Spa University and 3SG, the membership network of 200-plus charities, social enterprises and community groups in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), it will bring organisations and individuals with a shared purpose of improving and growing the area’s social economy.
Businesses accredited to the B Corp standard along with community interest companies (CICs) and co-operatives will also be able to join the network, which will stage specialised training sessions and workshops as well as regular networking events.
Bath Spa University is one of just five higher education establishments in the UK to have received a Gold Mark Social Enterprise in recognition of its ‘outstanding’ work as a social enterprise.
It will bring this expertise to the network as well as specialised experience in social value and entrepreneurship.
The network’s in-person events will be hosted by Bath Spa, beginning with a launch evening next Thursday, 23 February, at the university’s Locksbrook campus between 5pm and 7pm.
Bath Spa University pro-vice chancellor external Prof Andy Salmon said the aim was to bring together those working for good in the region “because we are stronger as one”.
He added: “Contemporary challenges are complex, and opportunities will only be unlocked by collaboration across traditional borders.
“Our message is clear – we’re here for you, in mutually supportive environments, journeying together, one idea at a time.
“Importantly, this network is a first for Bath – there are networks for the third sector and charities, but not one specifically for social enterprises.
“Working with 3SG, we are committed to addressing this gap and we’re excited about the positive impact that we know will come from bringing together great minds in this special city.”
Attendees at the launch will hear from partners and key stakeholders about the network’s plans as well as having the chance to share ideas on what they would like from the network.
3SG, an independent membership network supporting the charity, social enterprise, faith and voluntary sector in BaNES, will be responsible for running the network’s online events.
3SG director Becky Brooks said: “Last year 3SG partnered with the School for Social Entrepreneurs to deliver the BaNES Social Enterprise Programme that supported hundreds of local organisations and individuals.
“The creation of the Bath Social Impact Network feels like a great extension of this work – there is a real need for a space such as this for businesses and those with new ideas to come together, learn and grow.
“We are really excited about this partnership with Bath Spa University and hope to utilise 3SG’s experience in facilitating and networking to help the Bath Social Impact Network become a great success, really challenging the way in which we do business in the city and helping to create change for good.”
To register to attend the launch, click here
