Gildernew Highlights Benefits of the Social Economy in Rural Areas

28/01/2011

Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has addressed delegates at a conference on the Social Economy in rural areas which took place at Loughry College, Cookstown.

The conference, hosted in conjunction with the Rural Community Network and the Social Economy Network, brought together representatives of the rural community and voluntary sector with Government Departments and others involved in working with the social economy enterprises.

Teresa Canavan from the Rural Network outlined the opportunities under the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.  Attendees also heard from Amanda McCloskey, Out And About Enterprises, and Tiernach Mahon, ARC Healthy Living Centre, on their experiences of working within the Social Economy sector, as well as learning about the support and training available to social enterprises.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister said: "I believe that Social Economy Enterprises present a great role model for our economic growth in rural areas, and have the potential to be a key driver for economic recovery. They operate in the marketplace, supplying goods and services in response to demand like any other business. However, they differ from other businesses by re-investing their profits for the benefit of their local community.

"In the current difficult economic climate every opportunity must be grasped to ensure the rural economy remains vibrant and stable. Unfortunately in the next four year's my own Department will have to implement the cost-cutting measures which I recently announced in the draft budget. In light of this it is imperative that rural communities and businesses become more self sufficient and are not solely dependent on public monies to survive. This is of course a primary objective of any organisation and Social Economy Enterprises offers a path to achieving this goal."

The Minister also outlined the positive effects that Social Economy Enterprises can have on rural areas. She said: "Social Economy Enterprises can make a valuable contribution towards thriving and sustainable rural communities. They can create employment, supply goods and services, provide training opportunities and create physical assets, such as workspace units or community facilities for the benefit of local people.

"I would particularly encourage our rural voluntary and community groups to consider how they could make the move towards becoming a Social Economy Enterprise. For these groups, it can bring a sustainable source of income in addition to government funding, whilst still allowing them to achieve their social objectives.

In conclusion the Minister added: "I wish to thank everyone involved in making today's event such a success and look forward to seeing the Social Economy Network in the north expand. In my capacity as Minister I will certainly do anything I can to promote the benefits of Social Economy Enterprise to those groups who are considering such a move."

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