LEXXER Solutions attended a presentation and launch at the Banqueting Hall at Belfast City Hall. The theme was social enterprises which change lives.
Leaders who Build Businesses that Change Lives
Many of our clients are interested in:
- Starting, or thinking of starting, a social business.
- Supporting a social business (as a consultant or board member)
- Encouraging entrepreneurial activity within their community/network
Therefore we felt it was useful to attend today to learn more. The speaks were both inspirational and informative with a clear message that social enterprise doesn’t mean being soft on professional commitment to excellence.
Josh Babarinde, Founder of Cracked It
Josh is Founder and Chief Executive of Cracked It, London’s award-winning social enterprise smartphone repair service, staffed by young ex-offenders. Cracked It runs pop-up workplace repair clinics in organisations including the US Embassy, Ministry of Justice, Barclays and River Island. In 2019, Cracked It was named Social Enterprise of the Year by the Evening Standard and also by the Centre for Social Justice. Josh himself was named in the Forbes ’30 Under 30 in Europe’ Class of 2019. He shared the Cracked It story, the lessons that he has learned along the way and his view on the opportunities that exist within social business.
Then a local social enterprise story with a big heart and an even bigger vision.
Dave Linton, Founder of Madlug
In 2015 Dave learned that most children in care transport their worldly belongings in a bin bag and he set out to do something about it. With £480 and zero business experience he started Madlug (Make a Difference Luggage) with a mission to help every child in care travel with dignity. In 2016 Dave was listed as one of the 50 New Radicals by The Guardian and, following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2017, he was invited to brunch with Sir Richard Branson! Madlug is gaining traction across the UK & Ireland and Dave is passionate about using Madlug to influence a new young generation of social entrepreneurs. He shared the Madlug story and the business insights that have helped him build the brand and grow an award-winning social business.
The event was chaired by Professor Ken O’Neill brings bringing the academic know how to the mix.
Professor Emeritus Ken O’Neill, Ulster University
Ken is Chair of the School for Social Enterprises in Ireland – the only organisation devoted exclusively to the development of leadership and management in the social economy on this island. He has also served as President of the International Council for Small Business and Chairman of Young Enterprise in NI. His most recent books are entitled ‘Understanding Enterprise, Entrepreneurs & Small Business’ and ‘Understanding the Social Economy’ (co-authored with Simon Bridge and Brendan Murtagh respectively). Ken will chair the event and share his own insights on opportunities within social business.
The event also marked the official launch of Belfast City Council’s new Social Enterprise and Cooperative Support Programme delivered by Work West Enterprise Agency.
Again with funding and support, access to a world class academic programme and with the inspiration and ideas from existing social entrepreneurs we are armed with a full package of support and information for our clients.
Our business is charity and that means taking charities into the world of knowledge through exchange programmes.
Let the knowledge we have gathered today help you tomorrow – speak to one of the team today!
