In July OSEP held an event at Flo’s | The Place In The Park with the aim of bringing together organisations and businesses in the social impact space in Oxfordshire, as well as those interested in this from within the University, to explore collaboration opportunities, share ideas, discuss ways of supporting each other, and how meaningful actions could be created following on from the event.
The evening was held in a world cafe style, providing all attendees the opportunity to have their say, and be part of facilitated discussions focusing on how community and collaboration can help enterprise thrive in Oxfordshire.
The discussions covered:
- Community wealth building with CAG Oxfordshire and Co-operative Futures
- The local food economy and the Oxfordshire Food Strategy facilitated by Waste2Taste
- How the University of Oxford can support the Oxfordshire social impact community, with Enspire
- Creative sectors and collaborative opportunities
- Advice and information sharing
The discussions were lively, and enabled people from lots of different organisations that hadn’t met before to meet, and discuss areas that are important to running a social impact business in Oxfordshire in a friendly and welcoming space.
OSEP will continue to hold meet up events like this for the social impact sector in Oxfordshire, and collaborate with like-minded stakeholders where possible too.
Annabel Samengo Johnson, Sales and Community Manager at The Wheelhouse said;
“I joined OSEP at the Community Meet Up at Flo’s in August and it really was the best networking event I have ever been too. There was careful consideration which went into the event itself, being held at a wonderful community space which is providing so much more than just space.
As soon as I walked in, I got chatting with lots of people who all had something very interesting to say and were interested in the company I work for. My position in my company was considered by the hosts, therefore, I was introduced to people who were connected to my line of work too. I also had the opportunity to chat with people building businesses that were all at different stages of their journey which was hugely insightful – I would never have had that opportunity to meet them if it wasn’t for this event.
They had a creative way of introducing everyone to everyone and not at one point did I feel like it wasn’t worth my time being there. The people, the food and the atmosphere reflected the passion and expertise of OSEP and what they do. I would highly recommend!“
Social Venture Mixer
For the next community event, OSEP has teamed up with Oxford University Innovation to celebrate social impact organisations in Oxfordshire as part of Oxford Inside Out on Wednesday 20th September at St Anthony’s College, Woodstock Road, Oxford from 4 – 6.30 pm.
Come along to meet like-minded people from the university, and from organisations across Oxfordshire, who are interested in doing business differently.
This event is free to attend and anyone working in the social impact space in Oxfordshire is welcome to attend. Register here and select ‘Social Venture Mixer‘.