LOCAL SPARK TORBAY

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 1st February
2021-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Online – Zoom
Please join us Monday, February 1st, 6 pm on Zoom!
This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other.
Join us on Zoom to have catch-up at our second meetup of the year.
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84008008967
When: 1st February 2021 6 – 8 pm
See you then!

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 4th January
2021-01-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
Please join us Monday, January 4th, 6 pm on Zoom!
This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other.
Join us on Zoom to have catch-up at our first meetup of the year and start 2021 with a bang!
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85768468349
When: 4th January 2021 6 – 8 pm
See you then!

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 7th December
2020-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
Please join us Monday, December 7th, 6 pm back on Zoom!
The theme – the year in review! And man oh man – it’s been a crazy ride. Lots of great projects, many acts of solidarity, determination and resilience. There will be space to share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much! Grab a drink, some nibbles, get comfortable and join us for the last meet up of 2020.

Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86412652416
When: 7th December 2020 6 – 8 pm
See you then!

New Co-operatives, New Ways to Build Torbay’s Economy, 12th November 6 - 7.30pm
2020-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Online – Zoom
Don’t miss this webinar and discussion with Local Spark’s co-operatives lead, Andrew Shadrake, highlighting new co-operative opportunities for Torbay.
The session begins with a rapid review of existing co-operatives, and co-operative opportunities, which covers:

Adult social care: bringing together carers and people needing support: Case study: Equal Care Co-operative
Ensuring child-care provision as nurseries close and costs rise: a platform co-operative opportunity
Succession planning for local enterprises: Case study: Oats Healthy Living co-operative buy-out in Brixham
Promoting entrepreneurship and addressing deprivation: Case study: Make Borrow Mend co-operative, Paignton
Reducing NHS costs and improving safety in a time of Covid: Case study: Medical Devices co-operative opportunity, Paignton
Financing community asset acquisition: a Torbay community land-holding trust

After the presentation, there will be plenty of time for Q&A and discussion. Your thoughts and ideas are essential if we are to make many of these new ideas a reality.
We will send the Zoom link to everyone who has registered during the week before the event.
If you have any queries about the event, please contact Andrew Shadrake: andrew@climatepositive.uk, 07976 743461
When: 12th November 2020, 6 – 7.30 pm
Where: Zoom
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-co-operatives-new-ways-to-build-torbays-economy-tickets-127352844787
This event is supported by

Torbay Co-operatives in Community Wealth Building, 6th November 12.30 - 1.30pm
2020-11-06 12:30 - 13:30 | Online – Zoom
Torbay Co-operatives in Community Wealth Building is the first of Local Spark’s Friday Lunch Sessions, an occasional series addressing different opportunities for Torbay local economic resilience. They are designed specifically for Torbay Community Wealth Building Board members, and we also welcome members and officers with a particular interest in supporting the Torbay economy. The Friday Lunch Sessions are not open to the public.
The session begins with a rapid review of existing co-operatives, and co-operative opportunities, which address:

Reducing domiciliary care costs and improving outcomes: Case study: Equal Care Co-operative
Ensuring child-care provision as nurseries close and costs rise: a platform co-operative opportunity
Succession planning for local enterprises: Case study: Oats Healthy Living co-operative buy-out in Brixham
Promoting entrepreneurship and addressing deprivation: Case study: Make Borrow Mend co-operative, Paignton
Reducing NHS costs and improving safety in a time of Covid: Case study: Medical Devices co-operative opportunity, Paignton
Financing community asset acquisition: a Torbay community land-holding trust

The session will be hosted by Andrew Shadrake, our co-operatives lead, and a licensed community shares practitioner, with many years of experience in social enterprise development. The Friday Lunch Sessions are designed for comfort – please bring lunch, and turn off your video while you watch the presentation! Then join the discussion led by a Local Spark panel.
We will send the Zoom link to everyone who has registered during the week before the event.
If you have any queries about the event, please contact Andrew Shadrake: andrew@climatepositive.eu, 07976 743461

When: 6th November 2020, 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Where: Zoom
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/torbay-co-operatives-in-community-wealth-building-tickets-122521054773

This event is supported by:

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 2nd November
2020-11-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
Please join us Monday, November 2nd, 6 pm back on Zoom!
What could co-ops bring to Torbay? We all know about the Co-op shops – there are several across Torbay, but co-ops come in various shapes, sizes and sectors – energy, care, housing, manufacturing. Join us to explore what sort of co-ops are already in Torbay, and how encouraging more could help both our quality of life and our economy. We’ll be joined by Andrew Shadrake – a local expert in all things co-op, and some people who are setting up co-ops in Torbay right now
This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much! Join us on Zoom to have a catchup.
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83755003473
When: 2nd November 2020 6 – 8 pm
See you then!

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 5th October
2020-10-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
Please join us Monday, October 5th, 6 pm back on Zoom!
We had a fabulous outdoor event in September but due to the current restrictions, we are going back online!
There’s loads to talk about, like the Kickstart programme to help young people get into work, the Torbay Council’s economic plans, our own plans, new resources to help local entrepreneurs get started, and more.
This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much! Join us on Zoom to have a catchup.

Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87376672637

When: 5th October 2020 6 – 8 pm
See you then!

Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 7th September
2020-09-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers, TQ5 0LD
Please join us Monday, September 7th, 6 pm at Lupton House! We’ll be outdoors, together, physically distanced the required metre or two. It will be fabulous!
Our main topic ‘How do we create meaningful livelihoods for young people and young families?‘. We’ll talk about other things too, of course, but please come.
An evening picnic – we’ll bring some drinks and safe nibbles, but please bring your drinks, snacks, and ideas.
Dress accordingly. If we’re washed out because the weather changes, we’ll be on zoom, here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84454718362

See you then!

Funded by: People’s Postcode Lottery/Postcode Innovation Trust

Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 3rd August
2020-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers, TQ5 0LD
Please join us Monday August 3rd, 6pm at Lupton House! We’ll be outdoors, together, physically distanced the required metre or two. It will be fabulous!
Our main topic ‘Doing a Regenerate Torbay Summit’ Coming off a super successful Devon-wide event, let’s keep the momentum going and FOCUS on our lovely place. We’ll talk about other things too, of course, but please come.
An evening picnic – we’ll bring some drinks and safe nibbles, but please bring your drinks, snacks, and ideas.
Dress accordingly. If we’re washed out because the weather changes, we’ll be on zoom, here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84454718362

See you then!

Funded by: People’s Postcode Lottery/Postcode Innovation Trust

The REGENERATE DEVON Summit, 7 - 9th July 2020
2020-07-07 - 2020-07-09 | Online – Zoom
A 3-day virtual summit of visionaries, panels, networking & co-creating sessions to build a socially, ecologically resilient economy.
When: 7th – 9th July 2020
Where: https://regenerate-devon.heysummit.com
Why this? Why now?
This past year of climate emergency declarations, pandemic lockdown and economic crisis has intensified calls for a ‘green new deal’ and ‘build back better’. We are in a moment of tremendous potential. What kind of change is possible?
Over the upcoming months and years, we’ll all be making decisions about how we re-build our households, communities and economy and the choices that we make now will ripple long into the future. It is a real opportunity to arm ourselves with our greatest tools and attributes and design an economy that will be socially and ecologically resilient for the future. Within this, enterprise has the opportunity to play a huge role in creating shared value across society.
The Social Enterprise Networks of Plymouth (PSEN), Exeter (ESSENCE) and Torbay (Local Spark Torbay) are hosting this 3-day virtual summit; rising together across sectors to build a socially and ecologically resilient economy. The vision and funding for this Summit come forth from the SIMPL (Social Investment Market Place Links) project.
The SIMPL partnership wants to see the growth of a robust social economy across Devon (and beyond). This means an economy that supports strong local economic activity; that actively promotes the well-being of people and planet; one that reduces inequality and one that finds ways to restore and regenerate our natural world.
With 13 events, 25 speakers and more than 10 hours of time solely for discussion, co-creation and Open Space, we couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to what’s in store. Join every session or pick the ones that most engage you, it’s in your hands. The Summit will take you through a journey from vision to practice to action, so we recommend engaging in at least one sessions per day. Don’t miss the opening networking and the closing Wrap-Up, which will ground you in how the Summit will work, who’s taking part and what will happen beyond it.
For more information and to see the schedule of events go to https://regenerate-devon.heysummit.com

'Our Resilient Financial System - Banking for Resilience' - July 2
2020-07-02 19:00 - 20:30
Where did all the banks go? The British banking industry has become an oligoply of giant banks scanning the globe for profits. Their High Street branches are closing by the dozen. Their lending to local enterprises have dried up. What if we started our own bank that concerned itself with the life and wellbeing of our town and countryside businesses and farms? A local bank would play an important role in strengthening and ‘shock proofing’ our local and regional economies to ensure we have secure livelihoods, fair and accessible housing, and living High Street. There’s lots of potential for positive change, but one of the essential elements to a stable and resilient local economy is a stable and resilient local financial system.
Please join us for the last in this series of talks led by local experts and financial innovators. These talks are open to anyone, but they will be of particular interest to local councillors and officers, local business leaders and progressive entrepreneurs, as well as social innovators and community organisers.
The South West Mutual will become the first chartered bank in this region in a century and will service the needs of the communities of the South West – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It began it’s regulatory journey a couple of years ago and its almost ready to launch. It has a bold vision to bank for a just transition to an economic system here in this region that will be low carbon and high in wellbeing.

Join Tony Greeham, co-founder of South West Mutual, who will lead this session on how new cooperatively-owned banks can serve local communities, power local enterprises and contribute to a healthy thriving Torbay and region.
Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkc-itqz0iGtWsrvWdXU0cXiNQIjM5NOqr
Past talks in this series:
June 11th – Local Investing – Jay Tompt and Chris Gunson will launch the series, discussing the importance of building local economic resilience and the role that mobilising our own resources – local investing – can play an important role.
June 18th – Business to Business Mutual Credit – we’ll be joined by Sophie Paterson of LowImpact.org, initiators of a new mutual credit network modeled in the very successful Sardex system, which provides working capital for members by members.
June 25th – BenComs and Community Shares – Andrew Shadrake, Local Spark associate and CoopsUK consultant, will lead this session on how new cooperative models and build local economic resilience.

Our Resilient Financial System - BenComs and Community Shares - June 25
2020-06-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Online – zoom
What if we owned our High Street? What if our community owned the rental housing in our community and operated it fairly for the benefit of the community? How might we raise the finance for democratising and relocalising the ownership of our local economy? The answers to the these questions will lead us to strengthen and ‘shock proof’ our local and regional economies to ensure we have secure livelihoods, fair and accessible housing, and living High Street. There’s lots of potential for positive change, but one of the essential elements to a stable and resilient local economy is a stable and resilient local financial system.
Please join us for this third in a series of four online talks led by local experts and financial innovators. These talks are open to anyone, but they will be of particular interest to local councillors and officers, local business leaders and progressive entrepreneurs, as well as social innovators and community organisers.
Community Beneficial Societies is the model. Offering community shares is one of the methods to raise the funds and increase citizen participation. This can be used to develop affordable and energy-efficient housing, acquire land for farming and buildings for social enterprise and community space, and to start up and/or expand socially and environmentally useful enterprises.
Andrew Shadrake
Join Andrew Shadrake, Local Spark associate and CoopsUK consultant, will lead this session on how new cooperative models and build local economic resilience. He’s the architect of several BenComs – renewable energy, community buildings, and cooperatives. He’ll share his expertise and insights into how this model and can help transform the Torbay and Devon economy and build the resilience of our financial system.
Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtf-msrz4sE9zkDVPD6jCvjC6LjPv4FzFl
Future talks in this series:
July 2nd – Banking for Resilience – Tony Greenham, co-founder of the South West Mutual, a customer-owned regional bank, will explain how regional banks focused on serving the needs of local and regional SMEs provides a critical layer of stability – and credit in times of financial difficulty.

Get Your Social Enterprise Trading Online, 24 June
2020-06-24 10:00 - 11:30
A webinar for Social Enterprises in Torbay to help you to learn quick and simple ways to sell online, to generate income overnight and serve existing customers and the community during these extraordinary times.
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrceivpz4tHNau_259-Ev_S1HiAuD4ewZw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
When: 24th June 2020 10 – 11.30 am
Aimed at non-technical people, and delivered by a social enterprise, Cosmic, the online session will cover:

Ways to sell online: from online forms to gather orders, e-commerce websites, payment readers and payment options
Review new business models: subscriptions, DIY kits, e-books, live streaming, gift vouchers, online learning and conferences, contact-free delivery, monetising free content.
Ways to maintain customer contact during this time –strategies to create relevant and empathic social media and contact strategies

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through the Postcode Innovation Trust. Thanks to this funding we are able to offer this workshop for free to Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) members and for non-members.
The small (but important) print:
If you need to cancel or get in touch with us for some reason, email jennifer@localsparktorbay.org

Our Resilient Financial System - B2B Mutual Credit - June 18th
2020-06-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online – zoom
By now almost everyone knows we’re heading into troubling economic times. This was going to be true to some degree due to leaving the EU. But now the situation is more challenging. Many businesses will fold and some will drastically change. How can we strengthen and ‘shock proof’ our local and regional economies to ensure we have secure livelihoods, enough fresh and nutritious food, and reliable supply networks supporting the NHS and other critical institutions? There’s lots of potential for positive change, but one of the essential elements to a stable and resilient local economy is a stable and resilient local financial system.
Please join us for this series of online talks led by local experts and financial innovators. These talks are open to anyone, but they will be of particular interest to local councillors and officers, local business leaders and progressive entrepreneurs, as well as social innovators and community organisers.
One of the innovations that could make a difference in helping local and regional businesses survive this recession is mutual credit. Businesses extend credit all the time. But when it’s mutualised through networks spread across the economy, there is credit, liquidity, and a means of exchange. An innovation, but one with a long history. For example, the Swiss Wir goes back over a hundred years and is on a scale of billions of francs! Can this work in Torbay, across Devon and the South West?
Join Sophie Paterson, co-director of Lowimpact.org and member of the Mutual Credit Clubs collaboration, will share the what, why and how of mutual credit and explore how it could help us drive localisation and circularity, emphasising value creation over growth-for-growth’s sake. She may give us a sneak peak progress toward launching in the South West, too.
Click here to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcOCoqT4qHtKb87-Y6Ee9oeY57Fn-KRtH
Future talks in this series:
June 25th – BenComs and Community Shares – Andrew Shadrake, Local Spark associate and CoopsUK consultant, will lead this session on how new cooperative models and build local economic resilience.
July 2nd – Banking for Resilience – Tony Greenham, co-founder of the South West Mutual, a customer-owned regional bank, will explain how regional banks focused on serving the needs of local and regional SMEs provides a critical layer of stability – and credit in times of financial difficulty.

Setting up your Social Enterprise – Next Steps, 16th June
2020-06-16 10:00 - 11:30
Tuesday 16 June 2020 10.00 – 11.30
Did you come to our Social Enterprise Taster session, and are ready to go forward? Maybe you are almost ready to go, and have a few questions? Come to this deeper dive and take the next few steps in setting up your social enterprise.

Come along and:

check that you’ve chosen the best legal structures available for you
see how social enterprises can raise money to start up
find out about combining grants, loans and community shares
get to know Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) and the support it offers

Join us Register here
This session will be led by Chris Gunson and Andrew Shadrake.
Chris Gunson has set up several successful social enterprises. She is Co-founder and Director of Local Spark: Torbay Community Supported Enterprise. She also helped to set up the Torbay Social Enterprise Network.
Andrew Shadrake is an expert on legal forms of social enterprise, and how they can be used to raise money, or help people work cooperatively. A former lawyer, he is a Community Shares licensed practitioner, able to advise on everything from getting business plans and financial forecasts right, to doing share issues.In this session, Andrew will show you all the different forms of social enterprise, and help you decide whether any of them are right for you.

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from Heart of the South West Enhance Social Enterprise, European Union, European Regional Development Fund. Thanks to this funding we are able to offer this workshop for FREE to Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) members and non-members.

Our Resilient Financial System - Local Investing, June 11th
2020-06-11 19:00 - 21:30
This crisis is teaching some valuable lessons about the vulnerabilities of our economic system, our food supplies, and important institutions like the NHS. How can we strengthen and ‘shock proof’ our local and regional economies to ensure we have secure livelihoods, enough fresh and nutritious food, and reliable supply networks supporting the NHS and other critical institutions? There’s lots of potential for positive change, but one of the essential elements to a stable and resilient local economy is a stable and resilient local financial system.
Please join us for this series of online talks led by local experts and financial innovators. These talks are open to anyone, but they will be of particular interest to local councillors and officers, local business leaders and progressive entrepreneurs, as well as social innovators and community organisers.
Please join us for the launch on June 11 with Jay Tompt and Chris Gunson. We’ll be diving into the concept of ‘resilience‘ and what it means in the context of local economics and finance, as well as talk about local investing, some of the work of Michael Shuman, and share some stories from our own Local Entrepreneur and Community of Dragons model.
Click here to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuc-uspz8oGtMlB1wgOS5YRtWQu9C8vTk3
Future talks in this series:
June 18th – Business to Business Mutual Credit – we’ll be joined by initiators of a new mutual credit network modeled in the very successful Sardex system, which provides working capital for members by members.
June 25th – BenComs and Community Shares – Andrew Shadrake, Local Spark associate and CoopsUK consultant, will lead this session on how new cooperative models and build local economic resilience.
July 2nd – Banking for Resilience – Tony Greenham, co-founder of the South West Mutual, a customer-owned regional bank, will explain how regional banks focused on serving the needs of local and regional SMEs provides a critical layer of stability – and credit in times of financial difficulty.

ONLINE Local Spark's Social Enterprise Taster Session, 10th June
2020-06-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Online – Zoom
A social enterprise…what is that? Should my business be one? Will it help me raise money? Get people involved? Achieve my business’s social or environmental purpose….
Find out the answers to these questions and more, at Local Spark’s Social Enterprise Taster Session
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsd-mtrzIoGdVgtJB1K0GNrXJ98Ym1Dx8k
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
When: 10th June 2020 10 – 11.30 am
Lots of people start businesses to help people or help the planet, as well as to earn a living for themselves. Sometimes a group of people want to work together to do these things, but don’t know what kind of legal structure to set up.
Should it be a CIC? A co-op? A charity? What is a community benefit society, and how can it help raise money from local people?
Torbay now has it’s own Social Enterprise Network, providing support and networking for current and aspiring social entrepreneurs – find out what it can offer you.If you are thinking of starting a business which has a social aim, or if you are looking for answers to any of the questions above, this is for you.
Our taster sessions are exciting and engaging – do come along to find out more.
This session will be led by Chris Gunson and Andrew Shadrake.
Chris Gunson has set up several successful social enterprises. She is Co-founder and Director of Local Spark: Torbay Community Supported Enterprise. She also helped to set up the Torbay Social Enterprise Network.
Andrew Shadrake is an expert on legal forms of social enterprise, and how they can be used to raise money, or help people work cooperatively. A former lawyer, he is a Community Shares licensed practitioner, able to advise on everything from getting business plans and financial forecasts right, to doing share issues.In this session, Andrew will show you all the different forms of social enterprise, and help you decide whether any of them are right for you.

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from Heart of the South West Enhance Social Enterprise, European Union, European Regional Development Fund. Thanks to this funding we are able to offer this workshop for FREE to Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) members and non-members.
The small (but important) print: If you need to cancel or get in touch with us for some reason, email jennifer@localsparktorbay.org

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 1st June
2020-06-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Online – Zoom
Join us for our June 1st meetup where we’re going to be talking about food in all it’s local, organic, ecological, regenerative, and transformative deliciousness! Shall we start up a farm in the heart of Torbay? How about a school meals cooperative? or getting schools to grow their own food? What about the NHS? Bring your ideas and your enthusiasm!

Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much!

Join us on Zoom to have a catchup. We’ve taken our meet-ups online! Come along and catch up with us.

When: Monday 1st June 2020 6-8 pm

Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcOqrrDwjHNW2ggRwh9V2ZlmAjFVsiYOp
Come and find out about the new Torbay Social Enterprise Network and how easy it is to become part of the rising social economy!

See you then!

Funded by: People’s Postcode Lottery/Postcode Innovation Trust

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 4th May
2020-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
We’ve taken our meet-ups online! Come along and catch up with us. This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much! Join us on Zoom to have a catchup. We’ve taken our meet-ups online! Come along and catch up with us.
When: 4th May 2020 6-8 pm
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudO6trjIpG9bwczxc86eN0q5up53vpjdm
Come and find out about the new Torbay Social Enterprise Network and how easy it is to become part of the rising social economy!
See you then!
Funded by:

ONLINE Local Spark Monthly Meetup, 6th April
2020-04-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Online – Zoom
We’ve taken our meet-ups online! Come along and catch up with us. This will be just like our usual get together with the benefit you can have your favourite drink to hand, your favourite nibbles and sit in your comfy chair! And you don’t need to travel – so come along. Share what’s going on for you, try out your ideas, and get help from each other. Between us, we know so much! Join us on Zoom to have a catchup. We’ve taken our meet-ups online! Come along and catch up with us.
When: 6th April 2020 6-8 pm
Where: https://zoom.us/j/193438204
Come and find out about the new Torbay Social Enterprise Network and how easy it is to become part of the rising social economy!
See you then!
Funded by:

ONLINE Get to Grips with Social Media, 2nd April 2020
2020-04-02 09:30 - 12:30
Who is this course for?
This course is for individuals and organisations who are already using social media to promote their enterprise but haven’t yet got to grips with how to use it effectively.
Social media needs to work for you and the more you enjoy it, the easier it becomes. This naturally leads to better content that’s well-received and shared, paving the way for social media success.
What will be covered in this course?

Why use social media?
How to tell a good story.
Source and create great content.
Managing social media – how to plan content, listen to your audience and engage in meaningful conversations.

This workshop aims to….

Inspire you to tell your story and empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to help make a real difference to your social media satisfaction and success.

It is advisable for you to bring along your laptop/tablet/mobile device to this workshop and ensure you can log into any of your social media channels and/ or have your passwords to hand.
To book your place on this course >> BOOK HERE
Where: Zoom Link
When: Thursday 2nd April 9.30am – 12.30pm
Please include your name, business and social media handles, along with a short sentence about what you hope to get out of the workshop.
What do others say?
“I recently attended a ‘Get to Grips with Social Media’ workshop with Alex. As well as explaining the different platforms, scheduling tools and other practical aspects, she focussed on how important it is to tell our story as a way to connect with our audience. I recognised that this was definitely something that I could do more of.”

“Alex offered an amazing workshop in Social Media. The session was clear, concise and easy to follow, whether you were an absolute beginner or a little more advanced”
“Alex was enthusiastic and dynamic; she brought us together and energised us. This was an incredibly positive experience, from beginning to end.”

About the Trainer
Founder and Director of Green-Measures Media Ltd, Alex Green has 20 years’ experience in the media industry, mostly working within the tourism and heritage sector, including not-for-profits and charity organisations.
Alex says: “Social Media can be a great tool to help you reach out to your audiences and to tell your story. Used effectively, it can help you connect with the individuals or groups that matter and engage in meaningful conversations.”
Alex has a degree in Journalism and a Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in Managing Digital Media.

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through the Postcode Innovation Trust. Thanks to this funding we are able to offer this workshop for free to Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) members and for non-members.
The small (but important) print:
If you need to cancel or get in touch with us for some reason, email jennifer@localsparktorbay.org

Moving Online: Facilitating Great Online Meetings - Mar 28
2020-03-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Online – zoom
Join Local Spark Torbay and Plymouth Social Enterprise Networks for this online workshop all about how to facilitate great online workshops and meetings. We’ll cover:
* zoom – ins and outs of the features
* online design – how to design your workshop, training or meeting for best learning and participation
* complementary tools – google docs and jamboard for collaboration
* facilitation online – like facilitating in person, but different
Join Jay Tompt and Annette Dhami, experienced online facilitators and workshop designers, for this 90 minute skillshare to get you ready to move online.
It’s free, but booking is essential. – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/moving-online-facilitating-great-online-meetings-tickets-100806222124

ONLINE Inspiring Social Enterprise in Torbay, 21st March 2020
2020-03-21 09:30 - 12:30
Thinking of starting a business which helps people or the environment?

Want to make sure you get an income as well?

>> BOOK HERE <<

Join us for this ONLINE workshop and:

learn about inspiring social enterprises from Torbay and beyond
explore the range of legal structures available
see how social enterprises can raise money to start up
find out about combining grants, loans and community shares
get to know Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) and the support it offers

If you already have a business idea, this event will help you decide whether it could be a social enterprise, and what the benefits would be. If you are not sure what you would like to do yet, it will open your eyes to the exciting possibilities open to social enterprises

Social enterprises come in all shapes and sizes!
Did you know that in the UK there are examples of all of these operating as social enterprises?

Pubs
Farms
Village Shops
Internet start-ups
Home care agencies
Film studios
Radio stations
Memory cafes
Leisure centres
Self-build houses
Schools
Community hubs
Bus companies
Breweries
Bakeries
Craft galleries
Energy generators
Business advisers

This session will be online using Zoom video conference platform. It’s very user friendly! To join in, you will need a reasonable internet connection, a webcam, speaker or ear buds and a quiet place to call from.

Workshops leaders:

Chris Gunson has set up several successful social enterprises. She is Co-founder and Director of Local Spark: Torbay Community Supported Enterprise. She also helped to setup the Torbay Social Enterprise Network.

Andrew Shadrake is an expert on legal forms of social enterprise, and how they can be used to raise money, or help people work cooperatively. A former lawyer, he is a Community Shares licensed practitioner, able to advise on everything from getting business plans and financial forecasts right, to doing share issues

>> BOOK HERE <<

When: 21st March – 9.30-12.30pm
Where: NOW ONLINE VIA ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/3656787129

Please let us know if you are attending by emailing Jennifer@LocalSparkTorbay.org or by using the BOOK HERE link and signing up for a FREE ticket.

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through the Postcode Innovation Trust. Thanks to this funding we are able to offer this workshop for free to Torbay Social Enterprise Network (TSEN) members and non-members.
The small (but important) print:
For this event to have maximum impact, we would like to fully use the limited spaces we have available. When you have signed up, please let us know 48 hours prior to the event if you can’t make it after all. At that point, we can ask someone from our waiting list to take your place. If participants cancel later than 48 hours prior to the event or don’t manage to show up on the day, we will invoice you for £10. If you need to cancel or get in touch with us for some reason, email jennifer@localsparktorbay.org

POSTPONED - Local Spark's Social Enterprise Afternoon Taster, 16th March 2020
2020-03-16 13:30 - 15:30 | Torbay Business Centre, Lymington Road, Torquay, TQ14BD, United Kingdom
A social enterprise…what is that? Should my business be one? Will it help me raise money? Get people involved? Achieve my business’s social or environmental purpose….
Find out the answers to these questions and more, at Local Spark’s Social Enterprise afternoon taster
>> BOOK HERE <<
Lots of people start businesses to help people or help the planet, as well as to earn a living for themselves. Sometimes a group of people want to work together to do these things, but don’t know what kind of legal structure to set up. Should it be a CIC? A coop? A charity? What is a community benefit society, and how can it help raise money from local people?
If you are thinking of starting a business which has a social aim, or if you are looking for answers to any of the questions above, our afternoon taster is for you.
Our taster sessions are exciting and engaging – do come along to find out more.
This session will be led by Chris Gunson and Andrew Shadrake
Chris Gunson has set up several successful social enterprises. She is Co-founder and Director of Local Spark: Torbay Community Supported Enterprise. She also helped to setup the Torbay Social Enterprise Network.
Andrew Shadrake is an expert on legal forms of social enterprise, and how they can be used to raise money, or help people work cooperatively. A former lawyer, he is a Community Shares licensed practitioner, able to advise on everything from getting business plans and financial forecasts right, to doing share issues.
In this session, Andrew will show you all the different forms of social enterprise, and help you decide whether any of them are right for you.

As part of enhancing the work of Social Enterprise Network, Local Spark Torbay receives support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through the Postcode Innovation Trust.
The small (but important) print:
For this event to have maximum impact, we would like to fully use the limited spaces we have available. When you have signed up, please let us know 48 hours prior to the event if you can’t make it after all. At that point, we can ask someone from our waiting list to take your place.

Spinning wool into gold: Storytelling for communication in innovation, March 13
2020-03-13 | Brunel Manor, Teignmouth Road, Torquay, TQ1 4SF, United Kingdom
“People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it’s the other way round…”
-Terry Pratchett
Stories have been the most powerful form of human communication for thousands of years. A good story will connect, engage, inspire and, importantly, be remembered. A well told story has the ability to stick with people long after the facts and figures have faded. It has the best chance of convincing an audience of the truth of its values or ideas.
For the innovator or entrepreneur stories can provide vital insight into problems that need to be solved, explain their innovations and crucially provide a route to engaging with key stakeholders.
This fun and creative workshop aims to equip participants with an understanding of the scientific evidence for storytelling, and the components that make a memorable story. By the end of the day you can leave with the tools to turn your ideas into stories that are authentic, memorable, will engage and entertain.
Components of the day

Neuroscience of story (talk)
What makes a good story? Examples (presentations)
What makes a good story? Elements (interactive)
Storymaking: creativity games (interactive)
Storymaking: group work and presentation (participant led)

Feedback from previous workshop for University of Exeter MBA course: “…the students loved the experience – and even better – constantly referenced story telling during the last day of the module today. Your message got through – and origin stories were flying thick + fast in class!! You both…….. opened a new door on innovation for the group.”
To book and for more details, email chris@localsparktorbay.org
Facilitators:
Veronica Conboy is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, and outside of work has performed as a traditional storyteller for 12 years. Combining these two fields, she runs storytelling workshops in healthcare settings for wellbeing and for corporate communication.
Matt Halkes is a consultant anaesthetist and provides clinical leadership for innovation at Torbay Hospital. This role aims to create the conditions and resources required so that innovators in the organisation can deliver value from their ideas.

Local Spark Monthly Meetup, March 2
2020-03-02 18:00 - 20:00 | The Spinning Wheel Inn, 19 Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BE, United Kingdom
Are you a local business owner who wants to learn more about Social Enterprise?
At our March Meetup, we will be talking about how businesses can rise to the climate crisis challenge.
Come and find out about the new Torbay Social Network and how easy it is to become part of the rising social economy!
This month’s meet up is at a new venue – The Spinning Wheel Inn (opposite Paignton Green) on 2nd March 2020 6-8 pm in the upstairs room.
See you then!
Funded by:

Local Spark Monthly Meetup, Feb 3
2020-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | WeDo, Vaughan Rd, Torquay, TQ2 5EQ, United Kingdom
We’re back at the fabulous WeDo in Torquay on Feb 3rd, 6pm -8pm.
We’ll be talking about expert support options for local enterprises and upcoming events. Need help with business planning? Yes, we can help. Finance planning and business models? Yep, that, too. I.T. and tech? Yes. And more.
We’ll chat about a few more things, too, such as upcoming workshops, events, ‘jellies’, hackathons, entrepreneur forum, and even more!
Of course, we talk about the new Torbay Social Enterprise Network and how easy it is to become part of the rising social economy!
See you then.
Funded by:

POSTPONED - Social Enterprise and Innovation
2020-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 | TBC, United Kingdom
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur in an age of ecological and social crises? How can we conjure new ideas and new solutions? Innovation – what is it and how does it ‘happen’? Is it the key ingredient for creating impact with social enterprise? We’ll tease out answers to these question and more as we explore topics like leadership and social innovation, networks and complexity, and radical new business models. The course will be a mix of lecture, activities and group discussion.
Who is it for? Local/social/green entrepreneurs, NGO leaders and ‘intrapreneurs’, ‘meta’ and ‘network’ entrepreneurs, anyone interested in social and economic innovation.
Facilitator: Jay Tompt, co-founder of Local Spark Torbay and associate lecturer in economics at Plymouth University. He’s been leading workshops and giving talks on innovation and citizen-led economic development internationally for the past several years. Prior to moving to the UK from San Francisco, Jay spent 10 years as entrepreneur and consultant in the ‘green business movement’, after a 12-year career in Silicon Valley.
Cost: FREE
Lunch: coffee, tea and nibbles provided. Please bring or buy your lunch. 🙂

Local Spark Meet Up, Jan 6
2020-01-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Edge Brixham, Bolton St, Brixham, TQ5 9DH, United Kingdom
Join us in beautiful Brixham for our first Local Spark Meet Up event of 2020. We’ll hear from guest speaker Andrew Wade who will talk about The Edge Brixham. And oh so much more packed into our little evening:

news about People’s Postcode Lottery-funded business support
news about about the new Torbay Social Enterprise Network
lots of time for networking
and some delicious nibbles.

Are you interested in ‘community first’ economic regeneration? Social enterprise, green enterprise, local enterprise? Resilience and sustainability? Well, then, this is for you and it’s free!
Please register, here so we can plan catering:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-spark-meetup-tickets-85969873205
Funded by:

New Torbay Social Enterprise Launch! Dec 4
2019-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Palace Theatre Paignton, Palace Ave, Paignton, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
The new Torbay Social Enterprise Network is launching on December 4th and we’d like you to be part of the celebration. The Torbay Social Enterprise Network will help raise the visibility of its members and their positive impacts, add value to their efforts by providing access to support and funding, and host opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate.

Event will include:

interesting speakers from the ‘social economy’
an overview of membership offer and T-SEN activities
a quick tour of funding opportunities
highlights of upcoming workshops and events, including the Local Entrepreneur Forum
excellent food & a full bar

This will be a fun and informative event set in a fabulous location, the Palace Theatre in Paignton, (itself a social enterprise!) What better way to celebrate the launch of the Torbay Social Enterprise Network? Come and learn how you can be part of something special, the Torbay Social Enterprise Network and the blossoming of the social economy in Torbay.

When: Wed, December 4, 2019, 6PM – 8PM

Where: Palace Theatre, Paignton, TQ3 3HF

About our funding: The Heart of the South West Enhance Social Enterprise Programme is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
