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17 October 2007 - Social enterprise ambassadors named

Twenty-five social enterprise champions appointed to spread the word on ‘capitalism with a conscience’

Twenty five innovative entrepreneurs across England have today been named as social enterprise ambassadors, including Chris Allwood whose company ‘Auction My Stuff’ enables young unemployed people to learn about business through Ebay; GP Sam Everington and serial entrepreneur Kresse Wesling whose latest business sells bags made from recycled fire-hose.

There are 55,000 social enterprises in the UK, all of which are profit-making businesses which put the bulk of their profits towards social or environmental goals.

The new ambassadors will spread the word that social enterprise is an extremely practical solution to a wide range of social and environmental problems – as well as being a viable and fulfilling career choice.

The ambassadors were chosen after a thorough recruitment process, involving a variety of stake-holders and interviews across the country.

Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, Jonathan Bland, said:

“From publishers to IT providers and recyclers to GPs, social enterprises are bringing a new approach to doing business to every sector. Our ambassadors represent the best of an extremely vibrant social enterprise movement in England.

 “Currently just one in four people know what social enterprise is, but this list of extremely successful and inspiring people will change that. Soon everyone will recognise that social enterprise is the business model for the 21st century.”

The ambassadors are a key part of the Government’s Social Enterprise Action Plan, which was launched last year by Gordon Brown.

To request an ambassador for an event please contact our Ambassadors Campaigner Bergin O’Malley on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 7793 2287.

Phil Hope Minister of the Third Sector added his support:

“The social enterprise ambassadors have all shown what can be achieved by using the power of business to drive social, economic and environmental change. It’s really exciting that they will be going out to inspire others who may never have heard of social enterprise, let alone considered working for one or even starting one from scratch.

“This programme is a key part of the Government’s commitment to raise awareness of the potential of social enterprises. One of the biggest challenges facing the sector is to increase understanding of its value, and I hope this programme will go a long way to achieving that.”