Is the east end becoming the social enterprise Silicon Valley?

Every country has regions that are known for something. In California, where I’m from, we have Hollywood for film, the Silicon Valley for technology and Napa for wine.

Now where in the UK would you find the social enterprise epicentre?

Well, as it happens, the likes of UnLtd, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Social Enterprise Coalition, ClearlySo, NESTA, Society Media, CAN Mezzanine, Red Ochre, the Social Investment Business and other social entrepreneurship/enterprise/innovation agencies and investors share an east London postcode.  

Might the east end be at the heart of social enterprise activity in the UK? Like the definition of social enterprise, it may be hotly debated, but the east end has a long history of social reform and social reformers.

Toynbee Hall, the Young Foundation, Barnardo's, the Workers Educational Association and the Salvation Army, to name but a few, all started life in the area, mainly due to the extreme deprivation suffered by much of the local population. 

Debate it or not, what is clear is that there are many organisations in close proximity involved in the 'SE' sector (social entrepreneurship or social enterprise, take your pick). Some of the workers in these organisations even socialise and have an occasional drink with their fellow collaborators and competitors.

Given these commonalities, a group of us decided to meet regularly for a drink and chat. We call it SE Alley – a take-off of the 'Silicon Alley' nickname in New York - an area with a concentration of internet and new media companies in Manhattan.

A couple of weeks ago stories were swapped, business cards exchanged and lunches arranged as about 40 people from different social enterprises and social enterprise agencies attended the first SE Alley event at the bar of Rich Mix, 'a flagship for social and cultural regeneration in east London'.

What are the rules of SE Alley? Yes, you can talk about SE Alley (it isn’t Fight Club). In fact, spreading the word is actively encouraged. Other than that, there are no rules as such.  

Tom Cropper of ClearlySo described it as 'informal, relaxed and enjoyable – plus the beer wasn’t too expensive. A great way to spend an evening after work'. The plan is to keep it simple. SE Alley is open to anyone with an interest in social entrepreneurship and social enterprise.  

Why SE Alley? I’d like to say that deals will be done and the social economy will be greatly enhanced. The real reason is simply to have an enjoyable evening with like minded people once a month. These are serious, budget-cutting, economically uncertain days. It’s not such a bad thing to get together to vent, gossip or even explore business opportunities in a relaxed setting.

Is SE Alley the Silicon Valley of social enterprise? If you want to know the answer, join us next month to find out.

The next SE Alley is being organised by the Social Enterprise Coalition. To find out when and where it's taking place, and to claim your place, email jasonmollring@unltd.org.uk