The Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Social Enterprise Network (HIOWSEN) exists to promote and support Social Enterprise throughout the sub-region of Hampshire Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. It does this through regular meetings, training events and dissemination of information.

Network members consist of representatives from existing Social Enterprises active in the commuity; infrastructure bodies which support Third Sector Organisations, many of which wish to develop Social Enterprise models of working; Business Link, training organisations and social entrepreneurs.

Social Enterprise is a term much bandied about but essentially refers to trading (through a commercial base or enterprise) for a social or environmental purpose. Some organisations are established to do this from the outset; others develop into Social Enterprises or set up trading arms as them. It is important for groups to recognise what is appropriate for them in terms of development, their constitutional objectives and the social need they seek to address. At the same time Social Enterprise can be an exciting and worthwhile way of working as well as providing a vital funding stream enabling organisations to be sustainable while fulfilling their social purpose.

Hiowsen meets at different locations around the sub-region.
If you are interested in joining the network or receiving its bulletins, please contact;

Cris Jezard, HIOWSEN Co-ordinator,
Community Action Hampshire,
Beaconsfield House,
Andover Road,
Winchester,
Hampshire
SO22 6AT
Tel: 01962 854971

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it)
Web: www.action.hants.org.uk

Further information on Social Enterprise can be found at the Social Enterprise Coalition website:
www.socialenterprise.org.uk