Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has joined forces with Social Enterprise Scotland to relaunch the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Social Enterprise.
Open to all, the CPG will be an opportunity for members of the social enterprise community to engage with MSPs from across all parties about the role of social enterprises in Scotland. Other MSPs who have lent their support to the group include Rachael Hamilton MSP, Andy Wightman MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and Deal Lockhart MSP.
Against the context of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economy, and of the 2016-2026 Social Enterprise Strategy, the CPG aims to help facilitate participation and dialogue between the social enterprise sector and policy-makers.
Social enterprises are increasingly important to the Scottish economy, with around 300 new social enterprises starting up annually and providing 80,000 jobs last year. Edinburgh, which is home to at least 250 social enterprises, will be hosting the Social Enterprise World Forum in September.
Speaking at Social Enterprise Scotland’s AGM, Ben Macpherson said: “Innovative, independent social enterprises, that work to deliver social justice and positive change, together with economic progress, play a really important role in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
“Out and about in my constituency and elsewhere, every week I am reminded about the valuable work of social enterprises, like Projekt 42, Social Bite and Punjabi Junction in my constituency, and many others in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
“It’s clear how much appetite there is in our communities to consume in a more ethical, responsible and environmentally friendly way – and the social enterprise sector is growing in response to that demand.
“I look forward to working with Social Enterprise Scotland, my colleagues in parliament and a wide range of social enterprises, to take forward our ambitions for social enterprise to support inclusive, socially-responsible economic growth in Scotland.”
Duncan Thorp, Spokesperson for Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “It’s great news that the revival of the CPG on Social Enterprise has now been approved by The Scottish Parliament.
“Driving forward a fair, inclusive economy can only be achieved with a substantial increase in the number of social enterprises. The new CPG will help clarify our policy priorities, to ensure that Scotland remains a world leader in social enterprise development.”
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