University backs new social enterprise hatchery for community

Supported by The University of Northampton and based at Elizabeth Woodville School near Milton Keynes, the hatchery will support local businesses based on the social enterprise model.

Social enterprises are businesses which meet a clear need in society and reinvest any profits generated towards achieving the same goal.

Professor Simon Denny, Social Enterprise Development Director for The University of Northampton, commented:

“This will be a ‘starter home’ for new social enterprises, including those set up by staff and students from The University of Northampton. The hatchery will support new social enterprises until they move onto innovation centres, such as the successful Portfolio Innovation Centre based at the University’s Avenue Campus, or into their own premises.”

The social enterprise hatchery is part of the University’s strategy to become the UK’s leading university putting social enterprise at the heart of its student experience.

South Northants MP Andrea Leadsom formally opened the hatchery, saying:

“This new social enterprise hatchery is a brilliant example of young people taking the initiative. I think this represents an excellent partnership between an enterprising school and The University of Northampton, which I know is a leading institution in the social enterprise field.

“I’m not aware of any other schools with a business hatchery. But what I love about Northants is that it is a truly entrepreneurial area. I’m delighted Elizabeth Woodville School is doing this at this time, when there are one million young people not in employment, education of training.

“The really big opportunities now are in starting up your own business, and teaching children how to run a business at school will give them the confidence to do that in later life.”

Peter Anstee, from the University’s Enterprise Club, added:

“Teaming up with Elizabeth Woodville School has been a great experience and, although the hatchery is primarily for the wider community, the school has already reserved one unit and hopes to run a stationary shop.”

For further information on the Social Enterprise Hatchery at Elizabeth Woodville School contact:peter.anstee@northampton.ac.uk