Social Enterprise London (SEL) works to establish the capital as one of the foremost social enterprise communities. SEL is a specialist agency that promotes community, best practice and skills development for the social enterprise sector.
The SEL Board is made up of some of London’s most innovative social entrepreneurs including Chair Mark Sesnan, Managing Director of Greenwich Leisure Limited, Vice-Chair Sophi Tranchell, Managing Director of Divine Chocolate Ltd and Iain Tuckett of Coin Street Community Builders.
Supported by the LDA, SEL has developed a Network of over 500 social enterprises. The Network offers the UK’s first social enterprise directory, London’s most widely read social enterprise news bulletin, ‘Update!’, networking events, technical support and sector-wide promotion. SEL is working on the ground to help social enterprises make a difference.
Launched by SEL with support from the Association of London Government, LA Connects is the country’s first local authority forum, sharing best practice and developing strategically targeted social enterprise partnerships.
SEL's key strategic partners are:
London Councils represents Londoners and their local councils. It is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London's 33 councils. Part think-tank and part lobbying organisation, it also runs a range of services designed to make life better for Londoners.
The London Development Agency (LDA) is the regional development agency for the capital. It works to promote and grow London's strengths as the world's leading financial centre, its most vibrant cultural centre, an outstanding centre for higher education and research and the busiest global transport hub. The LDA works for the Mayor by investing in new jobs and skills for Londoners, supporting businesses and bringing derelict land back into use. With an annual budget of £300 million and major land assets, they work with business and other partners in order to provide opportunities for all to benefot from London's economy.
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) was created in May 2006 when the Active Communities Directorate in the Home Office, and the Social Enterprise Unit, in the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), amalgamated. The decision to place the OTS at the centre of government in the Cabinet Office was taken in recognition of the increasingly important role the third sector plays in both society and the economy. SEL is working with the OTS on Social Enterprise Strategic Funding and has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office.
