Last week we had our Annual General Meeting (AGM). In keeping with our Just Buy principles we sourced as much as possible from the Social Firm and social enterprise sector.
We utilised the flexible space of The Doughnut Factory's (run by social enterprise Action Acton) for the board meeting and the AGM whilst Social Firm Catering2Order provided the buffet lunch. Our Annual Report was printed by Netherne Printing Services and we welcomed guests with our pop up stand by Whitehouse Enterprises. We are always pleased with the quality of products and services in the Social Firm and social enterprise sector which makes it so easy for us to continue to spend in the third sector. Our third sector spend in 2010 increased by £7000 from 2009 and I am very confident that we will continue the upward trend in 2011.
Our AGM was well attended by our ever loyal members, including Social Firms Europe CEFEC Award Winner Derek McClure from Daisies Cafe in Northern Ireland. We always make space and time for our members to network and catch up with one another and the volume level over lunch was proof that there was a lot to be said and done. John Blackmore, Action Acton, and Sarah Dunwell, CREATE Foundation, were engaging speakers and proved that our sector really is Trading for Growth in opportunities identified with the work programme and corporate partners.
We are planning for our next gathering (which will include a leaving do for our outgoing Cheif Executive Sally Reynolds) on December 8th. So keep the date clear in your diary and expect lots of Social Firm suppliers then too!
Temidire Odesanya
Marketing Assistant
Social Firms UK