Since 2010, Marmalade (and formerly Oxford Jam) has been held as a fringe event to The Skoll World Forum. It runs over most of the same week as the SWF in April and offers open access for anyone to generate sessions around social enterprise themes.
As OSEP had just been incorporated, Marmalade provided an ideal opportunity to effectively re-launch the organisation, raise awareness of it, the aspirations of the organisation and Social Enterprise more generally. It also provided a platform to share the findings of research OSEP had recently undertaken and gather up to date information and feedback from attendees on current support needs, pressing challenges and opportunities. In addition, it was a perfect opportunity to rebuild momentum for and interest in the organisation, reconnecting with the network it has been developing, including key stakeholders from across all sectors.
Workshop & Networking
An interactive workshop was organised, themed to attract and satisfy members of the network, potential new members and stakeholders from across all sectors. Entitled “Solving our social and environmental challenges through enterprise”, It was facilitated through a blend of short presentations, followed by three group sessions to explore the topics, with the opportunity to capture and share thoughts and ideas with the wider group, leading to further, useful discussion.
Over 50 attendees participating from across all sectors, many key senior people from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors and were mixed and engaged with those from the education, private and public sector, including a representative from the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Chief Executive of Oxford City Council.
Many of the participants attended a networking event that immediately followed, with others also joining. Almost 80 people registered and there was a steady stream of new guests popping in and out. Following a brief welcome and update about OSEP from one of the directors, attendees enjoyed a lively networking session with light snacks and refreshments.
Many of the participants attended a networking event that immediately followed, with others also joining. Almost 80 people registered and there was a steady stream of new guests popping in and out. Following a brief welcome and update about OSEP from one of the directors, attendees enjoyed a lively networking session with light snacks and refreshments.
What attendees had to say
“Really useful workshop, great opportunity to make wider connections in the social enterprise world in Oxfordshire – a great session amongst friends!” – Tim Tarby-Donald, Director, Visit Banbury CIC
“The OSEP networking event was excellent; it was brilliantly run, there was a great vibe and I met a bunch of interesting new people who I look forward to working with in the future!” – Serena de Nahlik, Licensing and Ventures Manager, Oxford University Innovation Ltd
“Thanks for the invite to the OSEP workshop and networking. I found it very stimulating, and great to see lots of people so energised by their work!” – James Butler, Business Coach
“The OSEP session was great. We had a packed room of established and new social enterprises, alongside local authorities, researchers and those from the community. The range of perspectives I had at my table, really showed the potential of a network like this to create new opportunities for the social enterprise sector.” – Matt Peachey MSc, Economic Development Manager, Oxford City Council
