Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI) proudly hosted its Annual Social Value Conference at the Girdwood Community Hub in Belfast, bringing together over 300 delegates from across the region. The event showcased the growing impact of social enterprises on Northern Ireland’s economy and communities.

Key Highlights:

• Inspiring Keynote Address: Heidi Fisher MBE, a renowned expert in social enterprise and social impact, delivered the keynote speech emphasising the crucial role of social enterprises in driving sustainable economic growth and shared insights from her extensive experience working with over 3,000 social enterprises globally.
• Policy and Legislative Updates: Attendees received updates on significant policy changes, including the Procurement Act 2023, which introduced increased procurement control thresholds, offering greater flexibility outside of public tenders.
• Award-Winning Social Enterprises: The conference featured presentations from award-winning social enterprises, The Workspace Group, who hold the 2024 Social Enterprise of the Year title for both the NI and UK and ACT- Accelerating Change Together, who also hold two awards including an All-Ireland Sustainability Gold Award and Best Business Working with the Community at the 2024 LAMA Awards. Both speakers highlighted innovative approaches to scaling impact and leveraging the social enterprise business model for growth.
• Introduction of Social Enterprise Champions: Representatives from local councils and Invest NI introduced new Social Enterprise Champions, discussing support offerings available to social enterprises, including advice and collaboration opportunities.
• Breakout Sessions and Marketplace: Delegates participated in breakout sessions covering various aspects of social value and explored a B2B Marketplace featuring businesses from the social, private, and public sectors.

Dragons’ Den Competition:

A highlight of the conference was the Dragons’ Den competition, sponsored by Community Finance Ireland. Social enterprises pitched their innovative ideas to a panel of judges. It was Seamus from PIPS who stole the show and made it home with the £1,500 prize pot to support their Well Bean Café- the first of its kind in NI. It is a lived experience, co-produced, co-designed café and the purpose of it is to provide out-of-hours mental illness and wellbeing services on evenings and weekends to the community.

Phelim Sharvin, Dragon’s Den Judge and Head of Community Finance NI:

“Community Finance Ireland (CFI) has an ongoing sponsorship agreement with Social Enterprise NI and that sees us being closely involved with their annual conference.
One of the most important parts and probably the most fun part of the conference is the Dragon’s Den piece where we have the opportunity to hear the plans, the ideas and the challenges faced by some start-up and existing social enterprises. We hear their presentations; we judge their plans, and we select a winner. Seamus McCabe presented on behalf of PIPS hope and support and they were the winner of the 2025 Dragons Den. A very worthy winner and CFI were delighted to be involved in this enterprise.”

Acknowledging Our Sponsors:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose unwavering support made this event possible:

• Go Succeed | Department for the Economy | Ulster Bank | Firmus energy | Radius Housing | Hays | Lockton | H&J Martin | Edwards Solicitors | NI Housing Executive | Community Finance Ireland | Halifax Foundation NI | Construction Employers Federation | Irish League of Credit Unions | ProAptivity

Looking Ahead:

SENI remains committed to supporting and promoting social enterprises in Northern Ireland. The success of this year’s conference underscores the sector’s vital role in fostering social value and economic development.

For more information about Social Enterprise NI and upcoming events, please visit https://socialenterpriseni.org/.

Contact:

Social Enterprise Northern Ireland

Innovation Factory, Springfield Rd, Belfast BT12 7DG

Email: info@socialenterpriseni.org

Tel: 028 9046 1810

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