Proper Good Business Summit to showcase Stockport's thriving social economy

Businesses looking to strengthen their community impact are invited to discover Stockport's "secret sauce" for collaboration. 

Ahead of Social Enterprise Day, Stockport is shining a light on the businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations that make up one of the country's most active local social economies. 

As a recognised Social Enterprise Place, Stockport has built a strong culture of collaboration between different sectors. The Proper Good Business Summit, taking place on 12 November at the Royal Nawaab, Stockport Pyramid, aims to showcase that approach and grow Stockport's Social Economy even further. 

Bringing together businesses, public sector organisations, charities and community groups, the summit will focus on building relationships, sharing ideas and exploring how organisations can work together to create greater impact across the borough for the benefit of local residents. 

Hosted by Sector 3, Stockport's local infrastructure organisation for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, with sponsorship from CDL, Willmott Dixon, Stockport Gin and Marketing Stockport; the summit is designed for businesses that want to become more involved in their communities, as well as community organisations looking to connect with businesses and forge long-lasting relationships beyond one-off transactions. 

At a time when social value is becoming an increasingly important part of procurement, commissioning and business strategy, the summit will provide a practical opportunity to meet potential partners, identify opportunities for collaboration and learn from organisations already delivering successful social value initiatives. 

More than a conference or networking event, the summit is about bringing together the people who make things happen. It's the room where conversations spark, ideas begin and relationships form. Whether that's a business finding a new community partner, a local charity connecting with an employer, or organisations discovering shared goals and opportunities to collaborate, the focus is on creating connections that turn good intentions into practical outcomes. 

Attendees will hear from organisations such as Rising Stars North West, which, through support from local businesses connected via the Proper Good Business Club, has been able to furnish and equip its new home, including a modern multimedia suite designed to support and inspire young people across Stockport. 

The summit will also feature a Dragon's Den-style session, giving community organisations the chance to pitch for support. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their chosen organisation, helping decide who receives backing on the day. 

Attendees can expect a programme of speakers, workshops and networking opportunities focused on practical examples of social value, partnership working and community impact. 

As Stockport enters its next chapter, attendees will also hear from the people shaping the borough's future. From major regeneration projects and investment opportunities to the evolving role of the Mayoral Development Corporation, the summit will offer valuable insight into the future direction of Stockport and what it means for businesses, communities and organisations operating in the borough. 

The event will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the next phase of Stockport's social economy development and how organisations can play a role in shaping it, with attendance and input from Chief Executive of Stockport Council Michael Cullen and Deputy Chief Executive, Paul Richards. 

The event will be hosted by Chris Maguire, Executive Editor of BusinessCloud and former Editor of Business Insider North West, who will lead discussions throughout the day. 

Chris Maguire, Executive Editor of BusinessCloud, said:  

“I’m really looking forward to hosting the Proper Good Business Summit on November 12th." 

“The conference does exactly what it says on the tin. Business should never just be about the bottom line, although that’s clearly important. The best businesses aren’t just driven by profit – they’re also driven by a desire to do some good." 

“Stockport is full of businesses with real purpose and it promises to be a great event.” 

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said: 

“Stockport is home to a breadth of businesses that make an enormous contribution to the borough, with the social economy one of our greatest strengths. It is a powerful force for positive change and an important part of sustaining a strong and growing local economy." 

“When businesses work with social enterprises, charities and community organisations, they can build new partnerships, access local knowledge and talent, and find fresh ways to innovate." 

“The Proper Good Business Summit is an opportunity for people to come together, showing that doing the right thing for our communities and supporting business growth can go hand in hand. By building new partnerships and strengthening connections, we can create a more inclusive economy and make Stockport an even better place to live, work, thrive and do business.” 

Discover Stockport's Secret Sauce 

Stockport's reputation as a Social Enterprise Place has been built on strong relationships between the private, public and third sector. This collaborative approach has helped create opportunities for local people, support community projects, open doors through volunteering and skills-sharing, and strengthen connections between organisations that might otherwise never have met. 

The Proper Good Business Summit offers a chance to experience that for yourself. 

For businesses, it's an opportunity to meet organisations that play a vital role in local communities and explore how they can get involved in ways that create value for both their business and the places where they operate. 

For charities, social enterprises and community groups, it's a chance to build relationships with businesses that want to make a meaningful contribution and work together to reach more people, moving beyond donations and towards long-term partnerships. 

In short, it's an opportunity to discover Stockport's secret sauce: the relationships, partnerships and shared ambition that help make things happen. 

Event Details 

Proper Good Business Summit 
Date: Thursday 12 November 
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm 
Venue: Royal Nawaab, Stockport Pyramid