Annual Social Value Conference 2025

The Annual Social Enterprise Conference will bring together social entrepreneurs, business leaders from private sector, policymakers, and local council representatives to explore the opportunities that Social Value brings to the wider Northern Ireland economy through partnership working

This half-day conference will feature:

• Inspiring keynote speaker (Heidi Fisher MBE – find out more information below)
• Updates on relevant policy and legislative changes including the Procurement Act 2023, increased procurement control thresholds to allow for greater flexibility outside of public tenders
• Practical insights into how social enterprises can thrive in Northern Ireland
• Where you can get support from as a social enterprise
• How private sector can create meaningful social impact by partnering with social enterprises.
• A B2B Marketplace of businesses including social enterprises, private and public sector organisations
• Invaluable breakout sessions on Social Value and so much more

Introducing Our Headline Speaker: Heidi Fisher MBE

We’re thrilled to announce Heidi Fisher MBE as our headline speaker for this year’s conference!

About Heidi:

• A Chartered Accountant and founder of Make an Impact CIC, Heidi is a multi-award-winning specialist in social enterprise and social impact.
• In 2020, Heidi received an MBE for her services to innovation in social enterprise and impact measurement.
• She is the author of two essential reads for social entrepreneurs:
• • “Impact First: The Social Entrepreneur’s Guide to Measuring, Managing, and Growing Your Impact”
  • “Social Enterprise: How to Successfully Set Up and Grow a Social Enterprise”
• Heidi has worked with over 3,000 social enterprises, from start-ups to global organisations with over £1 billion in income.

What Makes Heidi’s Keynote Unmissable?

Heidi is a passionate and engaging public speaker with expertise in:

• Social impact measurement and management
  
• How social enterprise can be a key driver for economic success for public & private sector contract
  
• Helping social enterprises become sustainable and profitability through trading incomes

Her vision for a world where all businesses are social enterprises that positively impact people and the planet inspires countless changemakers.
This is your chance to gain insights from one of the leading voices in social enterprise innovation!

Agenda

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast

• Start your day with a light breakfast and networking opportunities around our Social Enterprise Marketplace. Meet other delegates, speakers, and exhibitors before the conference begins.

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks – Colin Jess, CEO, SENI

• Our CEO gives an outline of the agenda including the event’s goals and welcoming everyone who is attending.

9:10 AM – 9:15 AM | Importance of Social Enterprise Sector – Minister for the Economy

• Hear directly from the Minister on why Social Enterprise is such an important part of his Four Themes for his Department and how the Social Enterprise Action Plan will link in with the wider Economic Strategy and the Programme for Government during the rest of the mandate.

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote Speaker 1:

     Scaling for Impact: Leveraging the Social Enterprise Business Model for Growth

• Our speaker shares their journey, insights, and strategies on how to scale a social enterprise while maintaining its social mission.

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM | Panel Discussion

     The Role of Public Sector Support for Social Enterprises

• Representatives from local councils and Invest NI will outline their new Social Enterprise Champions and discuss the support offerings available to social enterprises, including advice, and collaboration opportunities.

10.20 AM – 10.40 PM |  Key Note Speaker:

     Policy & Legislation

• Gives an overview of any changes to Social Value scoring and outlines examples of best practice of social value partnerships/social value impact as a direct result of a contract awarded following the introduction of PPN01/21 (from its recent review of the implementation of the policy note during 2024)

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Coffee Break & Networking

Take a break to network with other attendees, visit the marketplace, and learn about the services offered by local councils and partner organisations.

11.15 PM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Information Sessions

• Breakout 1 – Marketing Masterclass
• Breakout 2 – Investment Readiness
• Breakout 3 – Access to Finance/Funding
• Breakout 4 – Understanding Social Value

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | B2B Marketplace Networking

• Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with other social enterprises, private sector businesses, and organisations in a structured B2B matchmaking session. The marketplace will also be open for exploration.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Keynote Speaker: Social Value: The Power of the Social Enterprise Difference in Public Contracts

• This speaker is not to be missed, Heidi Fisher MBE – About Heidi | Make An Impact CIC

1.00 PM – 1.15 PM  | Closing Remarks & Future Outlook

• Summing up the key takeaways from the conference, next steps for social enterprises, and a look ahead to future support and networking opportunities.

1.15 PM – 2.00 PM  | Lunch and Networking

…..

More info:

If you would like any more information on this event please email catherine@socialenterpriseni.org

Register to attend:

To register, please click the BOOK NOW button below and complete the form.
We will be in contact to confirm attendance.