Workshops

These breakout sessions, delivered by leaders within the social business sector, are specifically intended to provide inspiration, ideas and practical skills to social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals which will enable them to grow and be more sustainable.

Note: workshops will be repeated during the day, so delegates will have opportunity to attend more than one session.

1. How to pitch and inspire

Presenter: Ruth Anslow, co-founder, hiSbe

As a co-founder of hiSbe Food, I’ve been through the highs, lows, perils and pitfalls of pitching! I know the way you pitch your social enterprise to people can be the difference between getting people excited about supporting you, or just getting that glazed look from the other side of the desk. So I’m going to share what I’ve learned about successful pitching, to help you can create a pitch that inspires people.

2. Diversifying your income streams

Presenters: Gofal Enterprise, Vi-Ability, Greenwillow Funerals, Down to Earth

Diversification is inherently more difficult than the “more of the same” option for social businesses because it involves developing and delivering products or services outside of the existing “comfort zone”. If you're interested in diversifying your income streams but don't know where to start, then this is the session for you. A panel of experts will be on hand to answer your questions during this round table discussion which will focus on best practice and shared learning when it comes to diversification.

3. Be ahead of the game: Well-being of Future Generations Act

Presenter: Andy Middleton, Founder Director, TYF Group

The Well-being of Future Generations Act is a game changer for the social enterprise sector - it places a duty on government to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. Sustainability and social impact is already at the forefront of our business practices. So how do we turn those values into new business opportunities and ensure we are at the front of the pack when it comes to securing major new contracts procured by Welsh Government and local authorities? This workshop, led by social entrepreneur and strategic thinker, Andy Middleton, will explore the exciting prospects that lie ahead.

4. Making your website an asset

Presenter: Greg Ashton, Reason Digital

Greg works for digital agency and social enterprise, Reason Digital, leading on client workshops for their Strategy and Insights team. Greg specialises in analytics, search engine optimisation and pay perclick.  Greg will be looking at the practical steps social businesses can take to make their website a valuable asset which accelerates growth and social impact.

5. Managing employee engagement through times of change

Presenters: Social Business Wales, Arup Group, Cambrian Aquatics

Community asset transfers, mergers & acquisitions or employee ownership can cause many employees to feel confused or unsure about how they will fit in with the new direction of the organisation. Uncertainty and role conflict may lead to delays in accomplishing goals while new decision processes and budgets are developed. This workshop, led by Social Business Wales, Arup Group (employee owned) and Splash Magic Leisure Trust (community asset transfer), will address the following:

What is employee engagement, and why is it important?

What happens to employee engagement during different types of change?

What can organisations do to understand and manage employee engagement during times of change?

6. Stronger together through Consortia Working

One way in which a sole trader or SME can enhance its revenue, profitability and standing and also reduce its cost base, is to establish consortia with other businesses. At Social Business Wales, we welcome businesses to form co-operative consortia to aid short supply chains, improve business competitiveness and grow local markets. This workshop, delivered by our in-house experts, will take an in-depth look at how social businesses can work together more successfully to win those potentially lucrative public service contracts.