1. Facilitating a Thriving Social Enterprise Sector in Cumbria
Rob Randell
Chair
Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership

2. Background to Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership (CSEP)
Formed in 2005
A broad partnership between SEs, the public sector and support agencies
Initial engagement events led to:
- A constituted partnership
- Dedicated business support and networking programme
- Strong links with the County Council,
acting as accountable body

3. How CSEP Developed Initial mapping How many SEs in the Country,
How many people employed in the SE sector,
How many associated volunteers, etc.
Increased internal understanding of the SE sector both locally and nationally.
Growth of CSEP, increased SE start-ups and SE ownership
Advocacy - increased external understanding of the SE sector, leading to increased role in mainstream partnerships

4. Economic Impact Further enhanced mapping: Update of base data
Including new economic data
Cumbrian Social Enterprises
Contribute £325m to the economy
Provide 4,000 jobs
Involve 1,500 volunteers
Spend 70% of their expenditure within the County

5. CSEP Now Approaching 800 members, CSEP now SE led
Recognised economic and social impact
Strong strategic involvement in the LEP
Strong voice within the Third Sector Network
An ongoing, positive and mature relationship with the Public Sector
Wider successes - Alston Moor the UK’s first Social Enterprise Town, bidding successes with public sector contracts

6. Finally…. Two Questions
Could Essex benefit from this?
and….
Is it transferable?