The Social Enterprise Exchange 2025 conference takes place in Sheffield, 20 November 2025, celebrating International Social Enterprise Day and promoting new collaborations to build the social economy. This year we are marking UN International Year of Co-operatives with the theme “Co-operation for Change”.
In an era dominated by transactional, adversarial and authoritarian politics join us on a journey of co-operation, collective endeavour and mutual aid to steer a better path for human wellbeing and a flourishing natural environment. Our annual event brings together social entrepreneurs, co-operators, community-makers and social economy stakeholders from South Yorkshire and the North of England.
This tenth edition of Social Enterprise Exchange promises, as always, inspirational speeches, lively and topical discussion, practical workshops and plenty of opportunities for networking and exchange.
Thursday 20 November
Conference running order
12:30 Registration and refreshments
13:00 Welcome and introduction
Sangita Basudev, Director, Sheffield Community Media
13:15 Spotlight on Success – Suma Wholefoods Co-operative
Beau Bulman, People Development Coordinator, Suma Wholefoods
13:30 Co-operation for Change – Shaping Tomorrow Together
Matt Smith CBE, Chief Executive Officer, Key Fund
Ali Ward, General Manager, Social Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber
Alice Rubbra, Assistant Director, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Moderator: Steve Buckley, Director, Community Made Solutions
14:20 Refreshment Break
14:40 Seeds of Renewal – Culture and Creative Innovation
Matt Ritchie, Founder and Director Hybrid 3 Studios
Katie Matthews, Founder and Director, Gut Level
Devon Ferns, Founder and Director, Truth Engagement
Moderator: Sangita Basudev, Director, Sheffield Community Media
15:20 Getting to Green – Towards a Sustainable Future
Megan Corton Scott – Deputy Director, Labour Climate and Environment Forum
Emma Bridge, Chief Executive Officer, Community Energy England
Jenny Patient, Transition Researcher
Moderator: Geoff Cox, Chair, South Yorkshire Climate Alliance
16:00 Better Business – Visions of the Social Economy
Moderators: Steve Buckley and Sangita Basudev
16:30 Buffet, refreshments and networking
18:30 Close
Friday 21 November
09:00-17:00 Workshops and Creative Labs
Please note this event is free for social enterprises and social entrepreneurs including attendance, buffet and refreshments. Help us keep it free by purchasing a standard or solidarity registration if you are able to.