• Swindon & Wiltshire Governance
• Thursday November 16 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

The Future Smiths raise awareness on Social Enterprise Day

Swindon-based business support service The Future Smiths is raising awareness about social enterprises and their contribution to the economy today (Thursday), Social Enterprise Day.

The firm, which is dedicated to promoting diversity in business by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, is a Community Interest Company – a type of social enterprise.

Social enterprises are businesses that work to achieve positive social or environmental impact.

They are primarily motivated, designed and driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Like all businesses social enterprises seek to deliver profit by trading in goods or services, but they reinvest or donate at least half of those profits to their social or environmental mission.

Social Enterprise Day is a global event celebrating the incredible contribution that social enterprises make to communities and the environment across the world.

The Future Smiths CIC, which has been in Wiltshire since 2023, is one of more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing an estimated £60 billion annually to the economy.

Commenting on what the day means to them, Simone Ward-Baptiste, co-founder said: “Social enterprises across the UK are changing lives and communities which is why The Future Smiths CIC is proud to celebrate and be part of Social Enterprise Day.

“We are committed to fostering individual success and cultivating inclusivity through charitable initiatives in our CIC. Since our inception in July 2023, we’ve empowered 40 businesses, providing essential support and resources.

“Our dedication has not only helped these businesses achieve their goals but has also contributed significantly to building a vibrant and diverse business community.”

“As we set our sights on the year ahead, The Future Smiths CIC envisions a year of growth and collaboration.

“Seeking sponsorships, we aim to expand our programmes, reaching more diverse communities. Our goal is to strengthen the bonds within our Future Smiths network, fostering a dynamic and inclusive business ecosystem for shared success and positive impact.”

The Future Smiths is a member of Social Enterprise UK, the national membership body for social enterprises.

“CEO Peter Holbrook said: “Social Enterprise Day is a celebration of the great work social enterprises up and down the country are doing to protect our environment and support communities in need.

“Where we spend our money can make change happen, and with social enterprises, you can be sure that your purchase will make a real difference.”

Pictured: Business owners networking at a recent The Future Smiths event at Swindon’s Workshed