Expand Social Enterprise in Leicester – ExSEL

Introducing ExSEL

The ExSEL project is designed to develop and grow the local social economy through a range of targeted awareness raising and support measures which will foster shared learning and development. It will combine a series of micro projects which constitute a significant whole that will build mutual support mechanisms amongst existing local social enterprises as well as bringing new entrants to the sector.

The project will be managed and delivered by staff from Leicester Social Economy Consortium.

What support is available?

The project will include:

• a broadcast and engagement component [i.e. the further development of the Leicester Social Enterprise Network (LSEN) website, generic marketing and PR to promote the benefit of social enterprise in Leicester, and the publication of a monthly e-newsletter];
• a series of learning and development workshops;
• a social innovation accelerator for potential new start entrepreneurs;
• a sustainability advisory and support programme;
• and the creation of the Leicester Social Enterprise Annual Symposium which will attract social enterprises from the City and strategic social enterprise development agencies, social investors and other funding bodies, from across the UK.

About the Leicester Social Economy Consortium

The Leicester Social Economy Consortium Limited (LSEC) is a Social Enterprise. It is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Established in 1997 it is now one of the largest and most successful Social Enterprises based in Leicester. It has assets of approximately £2 million and income in excess of £200,000 per year.

The purpose of the Leicester Social Economy Consortium is to identify, acquire, and develop under-used, vacant, or derelict land or buildings with a view to creating employment, an improved environment, community assets, or other purposes beneficial to the community including the prevention and relief of homelessness. Since 2001 the sole member of LSEC has been the Shelter Housing Advice and Research Project (Leicester) registered charity No 1000515 known as SHARP. Over the last 20 years LSEC has donated £410,702 to SHARP. LSEC owns and lets out approximately 38,600 square feet of managed workspace and serviced offices.