We believe that being inspired by others is one of the best ways to stay passionate and motivated to continue doing what is important to you… and who doesn’t need a bit of motivation!

Come and hear about one journey into the social enterprise sector from Rachel Veitch-Straw, Investment Manager with Key Fund. Rachel has had a varied career and seen the sector in a range of roles. If you are interested in understanding how someone becomes interested in social enterprise and social investment, this would be a great opportunity to find out more. Bring any questions you might have about social investment and be prepared to be inspired by someone else’s journey.

Rachel is an experienced charity and small business support specialist, thrilled to be working as an Investment Manager at the well-respected locally based social investor Key Fund. Having begun her professional career in internal sales support for multiple award-winning engineering company AESSEAL in Rotherham, (after a number of hospitality roles in pubs and “greasy spoons”) and then working for the Hiram Wild steel and cutlery group in Sheffield, Rachel moved into education and community development.

She worked first as a Learning Mentor in Rotherham, and then in a family liaison role for schools in Sheffield. Rachel moved on to her first experience of social enterprise in 2007, with Three Consulting, a trading arm of the then Woodthorpe Development Trust. Three Consulting specialised in connecting schools and community groups for mutual benefit, and were a close-knit team of like-minded people. Rachel remained with them for almost five years before moving onto a national business and project development role with Brass Bands England. During this time, she joined the board of directors of JADE Youth and Community, and was reminded of the difference an effective social enterprise can make within their locality.

Keen to make more of a difference, Rachel joined Key Fund in 2018, where her varied work experience and people skills support her work.

Remember to bring your lunch with you into this online space where you will learn more about Rachel’s inspiring journey into the social enterprise world.

Delivered by Sheffield Social Enterprise Network, in partnership with Social Enterprise Exchange.