North East Social Enterprise Day 2025

This year’s theme is all about Thriving on Purpose. By this we mean both making the conscious decision to thrive as people leading change, as well as achieving real, lasting change through our missions.

We know that social enterprises and the people who lead them face unique challenges — often balancing financial pressures with an unwavering commitment to making a difference. This event will showcase how, despite those challenges, changemakers across the North East are finding ways not only to survive, but to thrive: creating bold, resilient, and purposeful futures.

We want participants to leave, feeling:

• Inspired through lived experience and expert insight
• Equipped with practical tools and strategies
• Connected with likeminded people working toward collective action

• In person: you can expect welcome pastries, unlimited tea and coffee throughout the event as well as a delicious hot lunch from the amazing Hey! Food. This ticket includes On-Demand access following the event. (£8pp +VAT)
• On-Demand access: you can access recordings of the live event at a time convenient to you. (£5pp +VAT)
• Showcasing: book a table with space for upto 2 roller banners to showcase your grass roots social enterprise. This ticket price includes 1 admission ticket. (£60 +VAT).

From previous years feedback, we understand that the most important part of the day is the opportunity to make new and meaningful connections. With this in mind, we have designed a day with both structured and informal networking opportunities as well as space to promote & learn about each other.

9.30-10.00: Arrive, sign in & network.

10.00-10.45: Main stage

Welcome from Kate Duffy, Founder of Junction Point CIC

Key note speaker -To be announced

A few words from our sponsors

11.00-12.00: Structured networking session led by Jeni Smith from Net kno.

12.00-12.45: Lunch & networking.

12.45-14.00: Breakout sessions: A chance to share experiences, explore best practice and connect with likeminded people...

Room 1: Thriving Together – Panel Discussion

Exploring how collaboration, partnerships, and systems-level change enable us to thrive collectively. What happens when we look beyond individual organisations and embrace shared purpose?

Room 2: Thriving Communities – Workshop

Moving beyond one-off projects to create sustainable, lasting impact. How do we design approaches that genuinely strengthen communities and leave legacies of change?

14.00 - 14.30: From Surviving to Thriving – Closing Talk

A reflective session on the resilience and sustainability of social enterprises. How do we embed practices and strategies that allow us to thrive long term — financially, socially, and personally?

14.30-16.00: Informal networking and connecting. The Market Place exhibition stalls will remain until 15.30pm

Cafe/Bar open for anyone wanting to continue discussions beyond 16.00.

Without their support, ticket prices would have been closer to £150pp!! We want this event to get better each year but remain accessible to everyone. Our sponsors make this possible.

If the ticket price is a barrier, please contact [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Junction Point