Social Enterprise Coalition
International Conference Centre, Birmingham
10 -11 February 2009

Now in its fifth year, Voice09 is the Social Enterprise Coalition’s annual conference for the social enterprise movement in the UK. This year’s event will focus on pushing the frontiers of where and how social enterprise does business, exploring new business models and ways of working.

This event will be the largest conference for social enterprise in the UK, high profile speakers from government and the sector are expected to speak alongside an agenda of workshops and seminars to help further the sector.

Voice09 promises to be our biggest and best conference yet! With
over 1,000 delegates and 80 exhibitors, Voice09 will be the world’s
largest ever social enterprise event, where you’ll hear from inspiring
social enterprise leaders, senior members of Government, and a wide
range of social enterprise experts. 

So who will be attending…?

• Managers, employees and board members of social enterprises
• Social entrepreneurs thinking of considering a new venture
• Social enterprise specialist support bodies
• Members and officers from local authorities
• Board members and staff from Regional Development Agencies
• Politicians and officials from government departments and devolved administrations
• Housing associations
• Voluntary organisations, charities and community organisations seeking to engage in enterprise activity
• Business advisors, Business Links
• Banks, CDFIs and other financial institutions
  

Voice09 will provide your business with…

• Plenty of time within the programme for delegates to visit stands
• A unique national platform to exhibit your services
• Fantastic networking opportunities with people from across the movement
• A chance to interact with your competitors and other sector representatives
  

Exhibition Stand Fees:

Corporate Rate  £1,499.00 + VAT
Government Support Body Rate  £1,249.00 + VAT
Reduced rate (Charities, Voluntary sector & Academic)   £899.00 + VAT
Social Enterprise rate  £699.00 + VAT
Supported rate – (This fee applies to direct members of the Social Enterprise Coalition only)  £649.00 + VAT
Space only stands (4m x 3m)  £2,000.00 + VAT

Please follow the link to take a look at the floor plan for the
conference  http://www.tcp-events.co.uk/voice09/exhibitionfloorplan.html

And to book your stand
http://www.tcp-events.co.uk/voice09/exhibitorregistration.html please
note space is limited so register early to avoid disappointment.

For more information or if you have any queries about  booking, please
contact me or the Voice09 Conference team on Tel: 01323 637714, Fax:
01323 637777,

Email: voice09@confpeople.co.uk  website: www.voice09.org We want to
make Voice09 the most educational, innovative and inspiring exhibition
experience for all.

As part of Article 13’s values and principles  we feel it our duty to do everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint. Therefore on a monthly basis a dedicated member of the Article 13 team monitors; the levels of fuel use; electricity and paper consumption; air travel; and public transport. Furthermore, Article 13 has inserted a standard rate Carbon Clause into client contracts which contributes £20 to offsetting carbon emissions.

We have recently published our annual Environmental report  which details;

1. Our monthly usage of fuel, electricity, paper, air travel emissions, public transport;
2. The 2008 percentage change on our 2007 levels;
3. Our targets and actions for 2009 to further improve our
   environmental practices and impacts of our business activities and
   operations.

Due to the day-to-day individual efforts of our team, as well as a
Company concerted effort up to and including 2008, Article 13 has
monitored and the following changes in our; in our fuel consumption
(14% increase on our 2007 levels due to increasing attendance and
therefore use of car travel to and from the office); electricity
consumption (a 27% decrease); paper consumption (a 10% decrease); and
business related air travel emissions (a 144% decrease) on 2007 levels.

To continue to push our targets and thus efforts, for 2009 we have
committed to further improvements to our environmental practices and
actions, mainly by; changing behaviour (e.g. reducing business related
car travel), promoting responsibility (e.g. advocate and raise
awareness through our vast network and website), and actioning measures
(e.g. annual offset of our carbon footprint)

These actions, alongside our existing and longstanding Environmental
policy , exemplify Article 13’s continual striving to improve its
environmental performance and advocates responsible business in the
area of environmental and social sustainability.  

For more information regarding Article 13’s environmental practices and policy, please see our UNGC pages.

For information on how Article 13 can assist you in auditing your
companies practices, developing action plans, and reducing your
business related effects on the environment, contact Fiona Banyard on
0208 840 4450 or mail fionab@article13.com

A new music genre 

Along with politicians, and big corporations, the music industry is also getting involved in . The new technology, now in use, enables dance clubs to run at a very low environmental impact and with reduced carbon emissions. Some musicians have moved one step further and created a new genre of music- ECOTRONICA. The genre can be described as: “Sound electronics acoustics mind blowing ecology”. Ecotronica, or in other words Grune Punk combines post punk sounds with a bit of electronic flow.

HAPI is pioneer eco-singer and ahead –of-its-time artist of yet
growing in popularity Ecotronica music. Originally from Sheffield, the
home town for many great artists such as for example Arctic Monkeys;
she’s a lady who mixes the deep voice of Courtney Love with the
environmental involved attitude of Coldplay. She is not one of those
singers with a portfolio full of throwaway bubblegum. HAPI’s tracks
take the listener on an epic voyage.  Just to name few: “Millennium
Woman”, “Reveal Myself” are carefully thought through, with meaningful
lyrics that in a gentle way try to encourage listeners to take action
and are aimed to save the planet.

It is rare nowadays that an artist can be described as unique and genre
bending, and yet HAPI truly defies categorisation and transcends
today’s music fan’s expectations of what music can be about. With the
new album “Every Atom is Sacred” released next year- full on, fresh and
in our face, HAPI makes a statement:” I am on the side of planet earth.
I represent the planet. Stop destroying it!” Her thing gets deep under
your skin and makes you want to make a difference.

“I really like your stuff… what a clear distinct voice you have Punk edge is really cool – very unique sound.”- Stereofame

“Addictive aural tapestries you’ve woven Hapi!-innovative
arrangements/inventive,vibrant lyrical imagery!!!-thumbs up all
around!-just UNIQUE and addictive to listen to!(Soho Girl)…” -
Stereofame

To find out more about HAPI’s ideology and listen to her eclectic and
forward thinking style please check out her MySpace
www.myspace.com/hapivibe or join HAPI singer fan group on Facebook

Any media enquires please contact:  Magda  -  hapiartist@hotmail.com or call 0735637379

Agro-Ecological sustainable farmland investment company offers a secure, ethical alternative to commodity markets

Despite the current economic climate, one company focusing on the future not only of their investors but that of the planet as a whole, is new ecological investment management company Agro-Ecological.  It is the only organisation currently wholly committed to providing ecological asset management and investment solutions in the farmland sector.  This previously inaccessible asset class is now available thanks to the vision and insight of this team of highly experienced organic farmland asset management professionals.

Agro-Ecological offers a professional investment capability in the
sustainable, responsible and ecological management of farmland, for
institutions, investment/wealth managers and HNWI’s in particular for
those with an SRI (sustainable and responsible investment) focus.

The company exclusively acquires and manages farming properties in an
ecological and organic way. This is a timely and cogent investment
opportunity designed to generate a sustainable and profitable future
for both investor and the global environment as a whole.  Says Geoff
Burke, Managing Director, “Investment in farmland and its
organic/ecological management provides an incredibly powerful and
synergistic combination of both positive investment factors, such as
security, stability and performance, with essential sustainability
factors, such as food and health, ecology and climate change.”

The global food supply chain is currently in a state of flux due to
increased demand, climate change and resource constraints; causing
droughts, supply disruptions and increased conventional farming input
costs.  The agriculture sector will inevitably need to adapt to these
changes by redirecting its approach towards a more ecological and
environmentally sound way of farming. In this adaptation lie
significant investment opportunities.

Geoff Burke continues, “Agro-Ecological recognises the investment
opportunities in farmland, understands its increasing and long term
attractions such as stability, inflation hedging and uncorrelated
investment performance and is able to open up this entire outperforming
and secure asset class, hitherto unavailable to the rapidly expanding
demand for genuinely sustainable and responsible investment.”

Agro-Ecological is a member of The Ethical Junction and newly
relaunched UKSIF (Sustainable Investment and Finance). The company has
been in business since September 2008 and between them the team members
have over 50 years’ experience in the organic farmland sector.

www.agro-ecological.com

Charity calls for support to champion its new eco/ethical range

On March 7th, Help the Aged will be launching well, a new retail concept which will promote products and lifestyles that will contribute towards “Better living, Better life.”

The well product range will comprise of over 110 ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products which will all be of high quality and competitively priced. The products will include homeware, fashion, confectionery, body care, holistic therapies, gardening and wildlife items. All well products will be available to purchase online at www.helptheagedshop.co.uk in 90 selected shops nationwide, and via a mail order catalogue.

The Charity’s donated goods business will work alongside the new
concept and will be deemed well-recycled in well shops as it will
continue to be paramount to the environmental message of Help the Aged
shops acting as recycling centres on the high street.

As the well concept will be about community, connecting with
others and the environment, Help the Aged is appealing for volunteers
to help promote it in their local communities by, for example,
appearing in the local press, distributing posters and cards, speaking
to community groups and visiting holistic therapy centres.

Jenifer Brenner, Retail & Trading Communications Manager at Help the Aged said:

 ‘We are aiming to recruit volunteers as champions who will go
out and about in their local area and promote the well concept of
helping people achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle and develop a
positive attitude to the environment that will enable them to approach
later life with energy and confidence.

These new voluntary roles will be ideal for members of the
public who enjoy meeting new people in their local communities and who
are interested in supporting the work of Help the Aged but would like
to do something a little bit different. It will give them great
satisfaction to know that all of the profits generated by the well
range will help further the charitable work of Help the Aged fighting
to free older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.’

For further information about becoming a well champion please contact Jenifer Brenner jenifer.brenner@helptheaged.org.uk

Sustainability fayre
Cardiff University in the Great Hall
12 March 11.00 – 15.00 

Open to all sectors of society

The aim of the event is to show visitors how they can make small changes in their business or home life to achieve a more sustainable future. Visitors to the event will be have the opportunity to interact with local suppliers, councils, businesses and research organisations in order to change the way they approach issues of sustainability in their everyday lives.

The organisers hope that the public will be inspired to apply some of the knowledge they gain at this event and realise how even the smallest changes can make a big difference to our environment. 

For more information please see www.brass.cf.ac.uk or email thomasc5@cf.ac.uk

Put Spring back into your skin the natural way with buyOrganics’ expert advice

Despite months of slathering on creams, protective serums, blocks and foundations to shield our skin from the harsh winter elements, all of us are no doubt desperate to get back to the fresh, sun-kissed glow that is now just a memory from last year’s summer holiday….

It’s not always about what you put onto your skin however – as we are
all aware, most skincare products contain mind-bogglingly long lists of
ingredients, many of which are synthetic and quite possibly harmful
when absorbed into the skin and bloodstream, building up to cause
allergies, irritancy and even disease.

Organic skincare is the perfect solution – and buyOrganics’
range of carefully selected products will set you
up for the spring – sloughing off the winter and protecting new skin so
you’re ready to face the world again!  Two of buyOrganics’ ranges are
perfect to ease this transformation – and expert advisors from both
Essential Care and Organic Apoteke have some great tips and advice as
well.

Margaret Weeds of quality, affordable organic range Essential Care
says, “The skin is the largest elimination organ of the body, so using
chemical-free skincare products all year round will reduce toxic load,
but in order to slough off the winter from our skins, improving
sluggish circulations, focusing on exfoliation and extra moisturisation
with vitamin-rich plant oil products will pay dividends.”   

Margaret suggests using the Essential Care Tea Tree &Green Clay
soap or their Honey & Oatmeal facial bar to gentle exfoliate the
face, and to use a fine scrub mitt, brush or loofah with any of their
soaps, for the rest of the body.  Splash on cold water to boost
circulation and close pores the natural way.  

Cleanse with an Essential Care cleanser, followed by Rose Petal or
Citrus Tonic to gently tone the skin without stripping or irritation. 
Says Margaret, “For a fantastic glow and vitamin boost I strongly
recommend finishing with a couple of drops of Organic Superfruit
Concentrate.”

Left with dry, flaky or chapped skin from the cold, wind and central
heating?  Essential Care’s Ultra Rich Balm is economical and
multitasking, suitable for use anywhere on the body.  For particularly
badly cracked hands or heels, and even according to customer feedback,
psoriasis, use their Calendula Balm.

If you aren’t fussed about the pennies, then luxury skincare range
Organic Apoteke offers several products which are pure pampering heaven
– indulge in one or two special skincare treats from the range in
addition to your everyday cheaper products for perfect skin which won’t
cost the earth.

Dr Nitasha Buldeo, creator of the Organic Apoteke range, also offers a
simple and fun weekend detox plan to get the whole body, inside and
out, ready to face the world again.   As well as drinking plenty of
water, avoiding dairy, fried foods, preservatives and carbonated
drinks, she particularly recommends the following Organic Apoteke
products for glowing, toxin-free skin:  for the face, Active Face
Cleanse Gel and Active Herbal Toner, moisturise with their Active Face
Hydrating Gel and even have a go with the super cleansing Detox Face
Mask.  Use the Organic Apoteke Body Cleanse Gel and Body Hydrate Oil
both in Sicilian Orange & Mandarin to cleanse and moisturise the
body.

All products are available at top organic lifestyle online store buyOrganics: www.buyorganics.co.uk

Rescheduled for 5  March 2009

The Association for Sustainability Practitioners (ASP) are pleased to announce a new collaboration with University of West England (UWE) in Bristol.

The relationship will be between ASP’s “Learning Events” activities and UWE’s “Bristol Centre for Leadership and Organisational Ethics” a new initiative in the Business School, led by Prof. Peter Case, Dr Peter Simpson and Dr Robert French of the Department of Organisation Studies.

ASP Learning Events are highly interactive workshops and enquiries, based on collaboration, sharing and learning, on topics aimed at business leaders and sustainability practitioners.

These events will provide UWE with opportunities to exchange ideas
and knowledge between their faculty members, management and students
and ASP associates and the sustainability practitioners and business
leaders who attend the events. UWE will host and actively participate
in the Bristol-based ASP events.

The first event in this relationship will be the second in a series of
enquiries ASP is running called “Creating Futures, Beyond Profit” on
3rd February at UWE.

Confirmed contributors for Bristol:

Jenny Wardle – MD ChangeForum Ltd.

Dr. Martin Blake – Director CSR Royal Mail, Trustee Findhorn

David Bent – Head of Business Strategies, Forum For The Future

Prof. Richard Owen – University of Westminster

Jamie Walton – Independent Financial systems Researcher

Ian Chambers – Programme Director, Orange

Jim Roberts – Independent Consultant in Financial Services and Investment

Prof. Richard Owen – University of Westminster

Details for Bristol 5th March: programme

Register: registration

Energy saving light bulbs are part of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) initiative which means that those who sell these products must provide information to the public on how they can be recycled. You could speak to the retailer you purchased your energy saving light bulb from about how to recycle it or alternatively you could contact your local authority to see if they will recycle energy saving light bulbs. If you don’t know who your local authority is you can find this out at Directgov

You can also find out more about disposing of energy saving light bulbs at Recolight.co.uk

For more information about energy saving light bulbs, including their mercury content, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

Show you love your Valentine – and the planet – with ethical gifts from Boutiko!

Though Christmas is barely over, the tree packed away and the cards (hopefully!) recycled, buying gifts and presents is back on the agenda!! With Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and even Easter fast approaching, not to mention birthdays and weddings galore – it’s now time to look for special gifts which are not only beautiful and express your emotions, but also come lovingly hand-made, ethically and environmentally produced and packaged, and even gift-wrapped for free!

Specialist on-line ethical gift store Boutiko – www.boutiko.co.uk – has a range of stunning gifts perfect for up-coming special days for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day – all made to the highest possible environmental standards. Boutiko offers free giftwrapping and next day delivery.

Great for new mothers on Mother’s Day – as well as loved ones for Valentine’ Day:
Chiming Heart Earrings (£20 – £18 till end January) – ideal for a First Mother’s Day – as these enchanting balls create a particularly soothing sound for babies. These handmade silver-plated earrings on sterling silver hooks resemble Mayan music balls following a tradition of several centuries. They are used for relaxation and in meditation or simply carried for their enchanting sounds! Each music ball is made by hand and no two will sound the same.

Perfect for lover, mother – or even a wedding gift!
Handmade Wooden Signs (£25) – four designs, saying Dream, Home, Love or Mr & Mrs
New to Boutiko – these gorgeous, unique signs are handmade using reclaimed wood and water-based paints, and distressed for an age-old vintage look.

Women of any age will love these:
Daisy / Dragonfly Jewellery Roll (£11.99)
Gorgeous hand-embroidered silk and satin jewellery rolls made in Vietnam under fair trade conditions, small enough to squeeze into a corner of a suitcase or overnight bag, they contain three internal zipped compartments and a ring holder. Boutiko also stocks matching Coin Purses (£6.99) and Bags (£29.99).

The perfect gift for weddings or Valentines:
“Love” Porcelain Tealight Holders (£25)
Handmade by a British artist using offcuts of porcelain from other projects, these exquisite tealight holders spelling out the word L O V E in tiny holes to give a magical flickering glow, are a beautiful present for the one you love.

A practical, ethical gift for EVERYONE….
You’ll never want to use hemp or jute bags again – Boutiko’s ingenious One Less Plastic Bags are handmade from Indian saris with every single bag unique in its design! These bags fold away to a tiny pocket size but can carry up to 2kg – plus are machine washable, £10 – £8.99 until end January.

For these, and other unusual ethical gifts, please look at www.boutiko.co.uk