Events
Upcoming events.
National Conversations Series
The National Conversations on Social Innovation will create debate on forms of SI for the future and understanding critique/criticism. This series of five events will occur over the next few months, aiming to cover a range of thematic areas and engage key practitioners and organisations in lively discussion. These sessions will take the form of a roundtable where dialogue and discussion can be held on broad and high level themes. As we are aiming to make this a UK conversation about each topic, we are inviting a range of organisations from the four UK nations to be a part of the conversation. These will be online events, held on Zoom.
Organiser and facilitator
Social Innovation Connect, or SIC is the European Social Fund UK Social Innovation Competence Centre – set up and led by Glasgow Caledonian University. SIC aims to create a better, more connected UK social innovation ecosystem across the regions, with stronger transnational ties to Europe and beyond. It is a member of the European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA), an EU-funded programme which is supporting the establishment of national social innovation 'competence centres' across Europe.
EXTERNAL EVENT - Innovation Masterclass Series – 3: Towards Net Zero – How sustainability can drive innovation in your business - Brunel University London
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
Innovation Masterclass 3: Towards Net Zero – How sustainability can drive innovation in your business
““60% of UK employees say it's important to work for an organisation that has an active environmental policy to reduce its carbon emissions”
This short workshop will introduce the wider context of sustainability and why it matters to your business. The primary objective is to support your business as it moves to an ‘environmentally active’ company across design, marketing, supply chain, operations and legal compliance. Moreover, the context of the Circular Economy and the United Nations Sustainability Goals (UNSDGs) and Net Zero can stimulate creative thought and business propositions that respond to increasing targets and market sensitivity around environmental issues across different sectors.
The output will enable your business to understand key sustainability frameworks consonant with the market requirements for customer acquisition and retention and mitigate against future risk including not being able to supply key markets. This will help formulate future strategy and environmental policy making processes.
The workshop will also emphasize the broader need for companies to express their ‘purpose’– not just the ‘WHAT and ‘HOW’ but the ‘WHY’. This thinking will underpin defining your company’s strategic priorities and actions.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-masterclass-series-brunel-university-london-tickets-360413535587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Elevate Exchange: Innovation
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Exploring what it means to be an innovative business.
About this event
The Elevate Exchanges are our flagship, hybrid events focused on our three key pillars: Sustainability, Innovation and Community. We bring together experts from a range of sectors to share advice, insights and spark debate.
This half day event takes place on Manchester Central's open day, giving you the opportunity to experience their incredible event spaces.
The Innovation Exchange explores what it means to be an innovative business. Does it happen by accident or design? Is it all about new products or should we focus on innovative processes? What innovation is taking place across the North West?
Join us to find out the answers to these questions and more!
Agenda
1.30pm: Welcome by Ilona Alcock, Elevate
1.35pm: Atom Valley Update by Neil Eccles - Rochdale Development Agency
1.45pm: Leadership Panel with Ben Jaffrey - Bruntwood Works, James Alcock - Navigate
2.15pm: Q&A with Mara Rastall and Karim Ozer - Enspec Power
2.25pm: Gamechangers Panel with Amer Gaffar - Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, Charlotte Ashton - Implicit
2.45pm: Break
3.15pm: Lightning Talks
4.30pm - Close”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevate-exchange-innovation-tickets-249281165677?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Innovation Masterclass Series – 2: Building an Innovation Culture - Brunel University London
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
Innovation Masterclass 2: Building an Innovation Culture
“Building an innovation Culture - Vision, Mission and Values. This segment will outline the importance of understanding, managing and building a strong culture to support innovation and build your brand.
How does your company create ‘value’? This segment will explore the importance of user driven value creation and a business model that underpins delivering on the promise of your company’s products and services.
Making it all pay: pragmatic business models and successful execution. Without an effective business model, it becomes hard to see what value your company is providing. This segment will offer a rapid and pragmatic approach to reviewing and establishing a robust business model for your business– giving you some of the practical methods you need to drive your idea, sales and the overall business.
Failing faster: quickly establishing what will work. Cut through the noise and learn faster. You need to be agile and able to test ideas quickly and efficiently before committing valuable business resources. The session will show you how to undertake the rapid testing of new ideas and concepts with potential stakeholders, allowing you to prioritise winners.
Communicating with impact. You often only get one good chance to get your message across. You must be equipped to take it. This session will give you the tools, techniques and confidence need to present your ideas clearly and succinctly.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-masterclass-series-brunel-university-london-tickets-360413535587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Woodbridge Innovation Labs Launch
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Join us for our Innovation Labs Launch in Woodbridge | Tech Demos | Drinks & Snacks
About this event
About this event
A brand new innovation and business hub is launching in Woodbridge.
It’s aim is to foster:
• Innovation
• Advanced Technology Adoption
• Business growth
• Entrepreneurship
Founded by Orbital Global CEO Peter Brady, Business Growth Coaches Network CEO Peter Basford and startup CMO Hermione Way, this initiative will form the focal point for developing Woodbridge's innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Members will work from a spacious and strategic location, within the heart of Riduna Park and only a few minutes walk from Melton Train Station. A unique blend of unrivalled professional support will offer guidance on key aspects such as funding, scale up pathways and business management fundamentals. Innovation Labs will also host a number of events, allowing technology industry leaders to share their experiences and expertise.
Woodbridge is a thriving Suffolk town, with the potential for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to be at it’s heart. We are aiming to help develop a business community that is innovating and scaling using modern technology pathways such as artificial intelligence, gamification, virtual reality, digital media, clean energy supply and software development..
This project is supported by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk Growth with the Innovate Local Initiative, who identified the local requirement to provide innovation and entrepreneurial support with flexible coworking space. Innovation Labs is a pathway to meeting these pressing needs, whilst offering businesses the opportunity to be positioned at the forefront of what is considered to be a critical initiative for the local economy.
This event is part of the programme of events linked to the Connected Innovation Project, funded by Norfolk Strategic Fund (NSF) and Suffolk Inclusive Growth & Investment Fund (SIGIF), which links Norfolk and Suffolk’s innovation hubs and clusters together to increase connectivity, cross sector collaboration and drive business innovation.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodbridge-innovation-labs-launch-tickets-374272528207?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Smart Social Housing: The Energy Innovation Exchange
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Join hosts Together Housing and event sponsors Secure UK Ltd at this free event exploring the latest innovation in energy efficiency.
About this event
Has there ever been a more important time for social housing providers to talk about energy?
Finding new ways to deliver energy efficiency has never been more topical or critical, both for tenant welfare and hitting net-zero, particularly with further energy price rises scheduled for October.
But how are you innovating to improve energy efficiency both inside and outside the home?
Hosted by Together Housing, the Energy Innovation Exchange is an opportunity:
To discover who is leading the way in energy efficiency, and what they are doing
To find out the ways that you can lower tenant fuel bills
To share your good practice around energy and energy saving with your peers
Event speakers include:
Phil Steele, Future Technologies Evangelist, Octopus Energy
Phil leads the Octopus Energy research and development team, applying cutting edge technology to develop new innovation across the whole of the energy chain. Some of the tech-led innovation Phil is working on includes the Octopus Agile tariff, making the grid more flexible to cope with the realities of intermittent renewable generation, and Powerloop, a project that could turn millions of electric cars into mini battery packs to supply the grid when renewables energy is in short supply.
Christine Atkinson, Lead Data Architect, Together Net Zero
Christine has been with Together Net Zero for 2 years and is responsible for the data architecture and analysis of all their energy related assets. With over 20 years of Data Warehousing experience, Christine has developed a Data Warehouse to provide the business with a single source of data for their analysis, including the regular monitoring of progress against Net Zero targets and driving and supporting future business models.
Patrick Berry, Technical Director, Together Net Zero
Patrick is responsible for Together Housing’s carbon reduction strategy and approach to energy management and investment. He is currently managing a carbon reduction investment programme of £120m with the long-term aim of making Together Housing a net zero business.
Patrick is committed to innovation that makes investment in carbon reduction a means to reduce operational costs and develop new revenue streams whilst providing benefits for residents.
Nigel Banks, R&D Director, ilke Housing
Nigel is a Chartered Engineer who started his career at AECOM Applied Research. At Keepmoat, he delivered many of the UK’s best performing new build and retrofit projects and led the R&D project that resulted in the creation of ilke Homes. At ilke Homes, Nigel is focused on developing step change opportunities and new R&D projects, including ilke ZERO.
Matthew Sheen, Radbot Application Manager, Secure UK Ltd
Matt has over 15 years of experience in various roles in the energy efficiency sector, including CEO of sustainable energy advice charity Energy Solutions, various project management roles in retrofit and fuel poverty alleviation schemes and low carbon consultancy, having been a registered SAP & BREEAM assessor and Certified Passive House Consultant. Matt now designs innovative energy efficiency solutions for Secure UK Ltd, and is leading on the development and product launch of its new ground breaking heating control device Radbot 1.
Behfar Abedinia, Specification Manager, Secure UK Ltd
Behfar has 19 years’ experience in energy and energy efficiency with the likes of EDF, SSE and e.on, and has advised local authorities and housing associations on available energy efficiency products and solutions, and also assisting them to access government funded schemes such as ECO. Behfar has also worked with Ofgem, BEIS, and energy companies and installers to fund and deliver innovative, cost effective energy saving projects.
Hosted by Together Housing
Hosts Together Housing has demonstrated genuine thought leadership in recent years, both in the generation and management of energy. The landlord has lead the way in solar PV and battery storage, and has developing new ways of manipulating and visualising energy data, and named Regional Housing Association of the Year at the North West Energy Efficiency Awards
Sponsored by Secure UK Ltd
For more than a generation Secure has worked towards achieving a more sustainable future, delivering products and services that help people reduce energy waste, save money and live more comfortably. Secure’s solutions improve energy efficiency, power quality and revenue management.
Secure UK Ltd, has been working with social landlords for 20 years, and has over eight million heat and energy devices installed in UK homes. These include smart meters and thermostats, PAYG solutions, district heat efficiency diagnostics and the new Radbot 1 smart radiator valve.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-social-housing-the-energy-innovation-exchange-tickets-368852958127?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - The Civic Data Innovation Challenge Launch
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Join the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Impact on Urban Health (IoUH) for a morning of presentations and networking to launch a new fund
About this event
How do we tackle the challenge of measuring Civic Strength in London together?
Hear from a range of speakers on the challenges and opportunities of collecting, measuring and sharing civic data across the capital. There will also be a chance to connect with others working in this space, learn more about the challenge and how to apply.
Breakfast and refreshments will be provided and you can find a list of speakers below:
Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer, Greater London Authority (GLA)
Professor Lasana Harris, Professor of Social Neuroscience, University College London (UCL)
Joseph Leach, Insights & Delivery Lead, Lewisham Council
About the Challenge
Building on the London Civic Strength Index (CSI) the Civic Data Innovation Challenge invites passionate people and organisations with great ideas to tackle some of the biggest data challenges in the social sector.
Through the challenge, funding and a programme of support will be provided to support applicants to test innovative approaches to measuring civic strength. This will bolster the evidence base that underpins the index and strengthen our understanding and approaches to civic data in London more broadly.
About the Civic Strength Index
The Civic Strength Index was published in October 2021 and sets out a definition, framework and approach to measuring the distribution of Civic Strength across London.
The index provides a new lens for communities, policy makers and funders to understand the strengths of communities and how best to build on these. However, the Index also identified a number of data gaps impacting our ability to measure Civic Strength in London robustly. Currently there are several gaps in the data, including data that is not:
Public;
London-wide.
Robust; and/or
Created yet.
This challenge will support new ways of addressing these gaps and support the index’s development.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-civic-data-innovation-challenge-launch-tickets-368811965517?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Innovation Masterclass Series – 1: Understanding the Innovation Process - Brunel University London
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
Innovation Masterclass 1: Understanding the Innovation Process
“Understanding the innovation process and your innovation capability and ‘vitality’. Knowing how to innovate can be a daunting process even for established companies. You may have an idea but unsure of the key stages, inputs and priorities you require to structure the onward development. For established businesses, having a robust process by which to manage innovation is crucial – especially if you want to repeat previous success and communicate this to others.
Market research: transforming data into insight. In a world of data, how do you find the right information to make sense of things? This segment will help you grow in confidence in gathering information, developing insight, and using this to validate the new opportunities that can power your business.
Catching customers. Customer behaviours are changing – in some cases a seismic change – and your business needs to respond and develop great ways of staying relevant. This segment provides the tools you need to help you explore and understand your specific customer needs, ensuring what they want is reflected in your products and services.
Generating killer ideas and solutions. How do you generate fresh ideas when things need to change? This segment will help you uncover sources of inspiration, adapt and widen your thinking style, and give you the skills to generate and explore great ideas.
Leverage the power of others: who might help me. You do not need to do it all alone. From Brunel University, knowledge centres, great suppliers, business partners, and business support organisations, there are many organisations with the expertise, technical capabilities or specialist skills needed to power your business. This segment will help you build successful collaborative business relationships and introduce you to Brunel’s great ecosystem.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-masterclass-series-brunel-university-london-tickets-360413535587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Catapult Network: Inclusivity in Innovation
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“We are inviting our business communities to take part in our next event Catapult Network: Inclusivity in Innovation event in Glasgow.
About this event
Background
This year, the Catapult Network embarked on its ED&I journey with the launch of a formal Charter at our first Inclusivity in Innovation event in February 2022.
Its ambition was plain: to ensure Catapults are fair, welcoming and diverse. Places where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. Places without barriers to opportunity, where individuals are celebrated and where best practice is shared.
Now, six months after the Charter was signed, we are preparing to take the next step in our ED&I journey, and we want you to join us.
How can I attend?
In July, we are inviting our business communities to take part in our next event in Glasgow.
Join us to hear from guest speakers discussing the many facets of ED&I and to take positive action for our workplaces by pledging support for the Charter.
Through embedding better ED&I practices, we will be enriching the path to better decisions, better innovation and better business, which are all critical to driving our economy and building a better future, in business growth, levelling up and skills.
Can't join us in person? Register for online attendance and take part remotely.
Agenda
The agenda for this event will be made available shortly.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/catapult-network-inclusivity-in-innovation-tickets-349451628227?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL SI UK EVENT - IE Faculty - Leading Through Innovation: Attitude for Success
Attend this master class led by IE faculty. A great opportunity to experience our teaching methodology and meet IE alumni
About this event
Creating an Innovation Culture in your organisation is key during these times.
Join us for this session with Professor and Entrepreneur Balvinder Singh Powar where he will discuss these important concepts using Soft and Hard Skills, Frameworks and Values. These Mega Trends will invite you to make change happen now! About the professor:
Balvinder is English of Indian origin, resident in Madrid, Spain. He is a Business & Finance graduate who also studied a Masters in Mediation from the University of London. He has extensive experience leading business, social, cultural, media and technology projects in Spain and internationally. His main skills include internal and external communications, creative & strategic input, business development & senior management, team leadership, relationship management & business mediation. Balvinder is passionate about the importance of building strong and effective teams and enabling projects, which push boundaries. He is a strong advocate of self-empowerment and pro-activeness to achieve one´s goals, with his favourite quote being that of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” He is CEO at Learning Experience/ Ed Tech Company Unfoldwork.com and a Founding Partner, Board Member and Director at BOOSTER Space Industries and AERDRON, innovative international New Space/Aerospace projects/consultancies with important stakeholders globally. In 2015 he became a Business Mentor at “The Founder Institute”, one of the largest and most powerful start up networks in the world. He is also an Adjunct Professor and Business Mentor at IE Business School and a qualified and experienced trainer, giving sessions on Leadership, Team Management and Motivation, Innovation Culture, Mediation/Conflict Resolution Skills & Entrepreneurship globally. He has recently authored a book called "Going Digital" (for Pearson group) about the Inner Secrets of Successful Business Innovation and Digital Change.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-through-innovation-attitude-for-success-tickets-335321384287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - British Council & Social Enterprise UK - MORE IN COMMON: The global state of social enterprise – Europe/Middle East/Africa in focus
Jun 7, 2022 02:00 PM (BST)
The British Council and our partners at Social Enterprise UK are delighted to invite you to the MORE IN COMMON: The global state of social enterprise report launch on 7th June 2022.
This is the first study to provide a genuinely global picture of social enterprise. The culmination of over five years of work, it draws on data, insights and case studies in 27 countries or over 40% of the world’s population. It provides what is believed to be the first estimate of the total size of social enterprise around the world. Moreover, it offers comparisons between social enterprises operating in diverse settings and highlights commonalities and differences, patterns and challenges.
We will explore the most interesting findings of the report and discuss the social enterprise movement globally with our guest speakers. You will hear from exceptional social entrepreneurs and leading ecosystem players who are supporting the sector’s growth around the world.
We are hosting two events in support of the launch to accommodate different time zones. They are both global in nature but draw more specific examples and feature speakers from key geographies. This event has Europe/Middle East/Africa in focus.
Speakers will include Suzanne Wisse-Huiskes, Chief Executive at the Euclid Network, Pape Samb, Global Vice President & Executive Director for Africa, Ashoka, Kris Bryson, Partnership Director at WildHearts Group, Scotland (UK), Alicja Qandil, Słuszna Strawa, Poland, Dan Gregory, Director of International and Sustainable Development at Social Enterprise UK, Hisham El Gazzar, CEO and Co-founder of Yadawee, Egypt, Bright Jaja, CEO and Founder of iCreate Africa, Nigeria, and Paula Woodman, Head of Social Enterprise at British Council.
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_slELYxUPQQusRjd1wUJaqw?t=1654504065696
EXTERNAL EVENT - British Council & Social Enterprise UK - MORE IN COMMON: The global state of social enterprise – Asia in focus
Jun 7, 2022 - 9AM (BST)
The British Council and our partners at Social Enterprise UK are delighted to invite you to the MORE IN COMMON: The global state of social enterprise report launch on 7th June 2022.
This is the first study to provide a genuinely global picture of social enterprise. The culmination of over five years of work, it draws on data, insights and case studies in 27 countries or over 40% of the world’s population. It provides what is believed to be the first estimate of the total size of social enterprise around the world. Moreover, it offers comparisons between social enterprises operating in diverse settings and highlights commonalities and differences, patterns and challenges.
We will explore the most interesting findings of the report and discuss the social enterprise movement globally with our guest speakers. You will hear from exceptional social entrepreneurs and leading ecosystem players who are supporting the sector’s growth around the world.
We are hosting two events in support of the launch to accommodate different time zones. They are both global in nature but will feature speakers and detailed examples from the regions in focus. This event has Asia in focus.
Speakers will include Sudarat Rojphongkasem, the General Manager of Social Enterprise Thailand Association, Urvashi Devidayal, Associate Vice President, Intellecap and Sankalp South Asia, Dan Gregory, Director of International and Sustainable Development at Social Enterprise UK, Henry Motte-Muñoz, Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer at Edukasyon, Philippines, Dr Ananya Raihan, CEO of iSocial and Founder of D.Net, Bangladesh, Azalea Ayuningtyas, CEO and Co-founder of Du Anyam, Indonesia, Huda Jaffer, Director at SELCO Foundation, India, and Paula Woodman, Head of Social Enterprise at British Council.
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ExZrrC5GTGGIUfXPacSNYQ?t=1654503935625
EXTERNAL SI UK EVENT - Venture capital and the future of innovation by RSA Events
About this event
Venture capital and the future of innovation
Tuesday 31st May 2022
18:00 – 19:00
RSA House and Online via YouTube
Venture capitalists have shaped the world we live in, the way we work, learn and connect – and their influence is on the rise. It’s essential we better understand how they think, why they matter and where VC is going next…
Sebastian Mallaby is one of the world’s most admired and respected financial storytellers. In his new book The Power Law he draws on unprecedented access to insiders and legendary figures of the venture capital community to tell the origin stories of the VC-backed enterprises that have changed our world in recent decades, from Apple and Google to eBay and Alibaba.
The key to understanding the venture capitalist mindset, he explains, is to grasp that they operate according to an enduring financial ‘power law’ which justifies big bets on ‘moon-shot’ projects due to the outsize rewards of rare success.
But can we trust the path of innovation and the global economy to a tribe of maverick risk-takers? The VC community is notorious for its lack of gender and racial diversity. High profile scandals, toxic cultures and profound imbalances of power and equity have soured the public mood towards the tech-industrial complex that it has hugely shaped. Is a VC-funded future compatible with the pursuit of a more democratic and inclusive economy and society?
Mallaby insists venture capital has an important role to play in liberating the finance and expertise that will create the transformative scientific and technological innovations that will improve all our lives. Indeed, he argues, VC networks combine and complement the roles of markets and corporations to form an essential ‘third pillar’ of modern capitalism. And so it’s more important than ever to understand how VCs think and operate so their skills can be harnessed more effectively for the global common good.
Join us at the RSA to explore and debate the role, influence and social impact of venture capital, and the state of the art in 2022.
Speaker: Sebastian Mallaby, Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Relations, Council on Foreign Relations and author of The Power Law.
Chair: Andy Haldane, RSA CEO
REGISTER HERE : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venture-capital-and-the-future-of-innovation-tickets-336428475627?aff=ebdssbdestsearch