London Mayor opens social enterprise support centre

Finance | Adam Martin | 9 Feb 2012

A new headquarters and hub for social enterprise support organisations has officially opened in London this week.

The 'Fire Station' centre, situated in the refurbished Tooley Street Fire Station near London Bridge, is the new headquarters for Social Enterprise UK and the School for Social Entrepreneurs, and also hosts a business club for Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) social entrepreneurs.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who attended the launch of the Fire Station on Tuesday alongside 150 representatives from London community organisations, charities and social enterprises, declared the centre to be “social enterprise at its best”.

Central to the Fire Station's social output is the Brigade bar and bistro, which provides up to 145 apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for people who have been homeless, supported by the Beyond Food Foundation. Part of the revenue generated by Brigade will be reinvested in nationwide community projects.

Michael Wilson, programme and policy manager of the Homes and Communities Agency, which helped fund the Fire Station, said:

“It’s a place where homeless people and former rough sleepers can access support, develop their skills and gain confidence, helping them to move away from the cycle of homelessness for good. Today’s event is a welcome opportunity to see how our funding of £800,000 is making a real difference to people’s lives.”

A recent PwC survey of 2,000 people revealed that two out of three people believed businesses have a responsibility to help the communities in which they are based. Half of those surveyed believed businesses with a social purpose could be more effective in supporting their local economy than the government.

Social Enterprise UK is the national membership and campaigning body in the sector. It works to find investment from consumers, public sector commissioners and private investors who want to see a social return on their investment. The School for Social Entrepreneurs offers courses to help social entrepreneurs start and sustain projects that aid the community.

Directory: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

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