Cooperatives NorthWest

NEWS
 

CNW holds networking event, trade show and ‘green energy’ initiatives seminar
12 – 4pm, Tuesday 25 October, Kuumba Imani, Millennium Centre, 4 Princes Road, Liverpool L8 1TH

This event will encourage supply chains and trading activity between co-operatives and social enterprises in the North West. Delegates will have the opportunity to meet potential customers and suppliers in an informal networking environment. Individual tables will be available for exhibiting products and services or promotional materials.

The afternoon seminar, presented by Sustainable Change Co-operative will help businesses and others better understand what sustainability means for them, and how to turn words into meaningful, practical action. Visit our website for more information.

CNW welcomes three new members!

More organisations are jumping on board to join Co-operatives North West and tap into our events, news, resources and networks – which aim to serve and promote the co-operative sector in the region. Meet our newest members...

Carer’s Union
Carers’ Union is a co-operative exists to campaign for better rights, support and information on behalf of all carers in the UK. It will carry their voice into every arena, local and national, where issues that affect them are being discussed. It will work with parliament, local authorities, primary care trusts, NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, other health bodies, the voluntary, charity and faith sectors, and all other relevant bodies. It is based in Merseyside, Greater Manchester. www.carersunion.org.uk

South Manchester Credit Union
Launched in 2000, South Manchester Credit Union has over 1600 members and has provided loans to a value of £3.7mil in the 10 years since it was started. The credit union is run by a small office team along with dozens of volunteers who staff its regular collection points at 13 venues across South Manchester. www.smcreditunion.co.uk  

OpenSpace
OpenSpace is a co-operative co-working project, offering cheap, flexible office space in a creative, friendly atmosphere. It is made up of freelancers and small businesses who were tired of working out of bedrooms and spare rooms and so created an office to work in together, meet clients and be around other people working in the same sector. OpenSpace is located in Manchester. www.openspace.coop  

OTHER NEWORKING & EVENTS……

Open Space Co-op - autumn social and networking
6:30-9pm, Thursday 8 September, Unit 1, WFC, 41 Old Birley Street, M15 5RF

OpenSpace Co-op are hosting a social and networking evening - TONIGHT. For further information click here.

Creating Better Neighbourhoods Event: communities planning for a better future
9:45am, Tuesday 13 September, Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN

This event will provide an opportunity to get the latest on planning reform and neighbourhood planning. For further information click here.

Recruitment Road Show
8am – 8pm Friday 16 September, De Vere Daresbury Park Hotel, Warrington

Qualified and experienced engineers and designers are being sought for recruitment road show. For further information click here.

Food, co-operation and community
10.30am – 4.30pm, Monday 17 October, St George’s Centre, Leeds, LS1 3BR

This FREE event is for everyone involved in food co-ops, community food enterprises and food access projects. For further information click here.

Save The Date – SENW 2011 Trade Fair
9:30am - 4:15pm, Tuesday, 18 October, Devere Whites Hotels at Reebok Stadium, Bolton De Havilland Way, Bolton, DL6 6FS

The day will feature workshops, exhibiting social enterprises, keynote speakers, opportunities to network, and more. For further information click here.

Futures North Workshop
Wednesday 2 November, Hallam Union, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 2QQ

The theme of year’s Future’s North event is “Communities, Trading, Capital, Investment”. Deadline to apply to run a workshop is 23 September. For further information click here.

FUNDING, FINANCE & OPPORTUNITIES….
 

Reminder: CNW Member offering opportunity
Highly commended Unlimited Potential is a successful and growing social enterprise that is seeking board members. Nominations must be received by 9am 12 September. For further information click here.

Social value innovation & investment opportunity
The North West Social Value Foundation is looking for inspiring and innovative projects or programmes to participate in its Innovation Investment Fund, with £40,000 to invest. Deadline for expressions of interest is 30 September. For further information click here.

EDUCATION/ COURSES…..

Strategic management for social/community enterprises
7-8 October and 9-10 November, Liverpool

Liverpool Hope University is offering a brand new qualification. For further information contact Elizabeth Underhill on 0151 291 2157 or email underhl@hope.ac.uk.

Free finance and marketing training for community food enterprises
Wednesday 5 October, City Business Centre, Preston

This programme aims to provide expert financial and marketing training to help ensure food enterprises are sustainable and successful businesses. For further information click here. 
 

Volunteering Fete – connecting student volunteers and organisations
10am - 3:30pm, Thursday 20 October, University of Manchester Students Union, Oxford Road, Manchester

This project will provide organisations an opportunity to meet and recruit student volunteers. Register by 19 September. For further information click here.

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Co-operatives North West is funded by trading income, the Co-operative Enterprise Hub, Social Enterprise North West and your donations. If you wish to know more about how to donate, please contact mick@cooperatives-nw.coop.