The UKSPF funded Expanding Social Enterprise in Leicester (ExSel) project came to a successful conclusion with the 3rd Annual Social Enterprise Symposium held at De Montfort University’s SDG Hub in early June. ExSel has delivered a programme of social value seminars and presentations designed to highlight the great work of the social enterprise sector in Leicester, and as a means to promote collaboration. An outcome of the programme has been the creation and growth of the Leicester Social Enterprise Network (LSEN), which now comprises of more than 200 members. The Annual Symposium event was established in 2024 and will hopefully feature again in 2027 and in years to come.
As a founding member of the project, Ethical Business Exchange’s Chris Shaw says “ExSel has been a very worthwhile and productive venture. Along with the a range of excellent L:earning Events and the three annual symposiums, we have also begun the task of scoping Leicester’s first social investment facility and tackled the thorny issue of community assets transfer. In fact, it was an opportune moment at the Symposium for me to present on the Government’s Devolution Act which contains some potentially helpful upgrades to the assets of community value function.”
While funding for ExSel theoretically ended in March 2026, the programme has secured a 6 month extension whereby it can utilise any underspend and assess how it might generate income in the future. Once of the projects LSEN is looking at is the possible purchase of the Fosse Neighbourhood Centre should Leicester City Council make it available for sale.
