Hampshire Leads Ethical Businesses into Economic Upturn 3Market, 9 February 2010, University of Southampton

Business Link and a group of Hampshire business leaders have launched a business to business trading event to help the county emerge from recession. In the first event of its kind, 3MARKET will provide opportunities for businesses to source more ethical products and services from ‘Social Enterprises’, on Tuesday 9 February, Garden Court, University of Southampton.

Social Enterprise is a relatively new but fast growing sector with more than 62,000 businesses operating in the UK responsible for more than £27b combined turnover.
This is a great opportunity for social enterprises to promote their products and services to hundreds of potential buyers from the private, public and third sectors.

Driven by social purpose rather than shareholder gain, social enterprises are fast becoming an attractive alternative for businesses looking to demonstrate ethical business practices, such as protecting the environment and supporting the local community.

A high profile steering group has organised the event, including Business Link, University of Southampton, Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, Rise Computing, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Enterprise Network, and Community Action Hampshire.

Iain Lucas, Chair of the Group, and Managing Director of social enterprise Rise Computing said, ‘Social Enterprises have the ability to save businesses money but also enable them to run more ethical businesses.  This is about helping businesses to be stronger and more sustainable coming out of the recession.’

University of Southampton, will host the first 3Market event on Tuesday 9 February at the Garden Court and Hartley Suite.

Business Link’s Deborah Wyatt said, ‘We are delighted to be involved and our role in supporting the development of social enterprise in the South is critical to the economic ambitions of the region. The event will provide a platform for social enterprises to trade with each other and expand into the wider business community.’

She added, ‘We are extremely proud that Hampshire is leading the South East in providing real trading opportunities for social enterprises.’

Along with the exhibition of 30 social enterprises, the event will include keynote speakers, seminars and networking opportunities.

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.3market.org.
About 3MARKET

3MARKET is a B2B trading event.  The event will have an ethical trading theme that is also about profit and will include keynote speakers from successful businesses trading on ethical principles.

Social Enterprises can hire an event stand for £200+VAT.

Members of the Steering Group for 3MARKET include, Business Link, Community Action Group, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire and Isle of WIgh Social Enterprise Network, Southampton City Council and University of Southampton.