Social Entrepreneur conference

the power of coming together

We are immensely privileged to have assembled the jewel in VPF's crown - all of our incredible 12 social entrepreneurs are coming together to discuss and debate how they are going about trying to change the world - and you can share in this special event .

Wednesday May 26th at The Georgian Society, 6 Fitzroy Square  London

We would like to invite you to join in for the end of this conference for two sessions:

  5.30pm-6.15pm on the role of social entrepreneurs within the larger charity sector and how they can engage with bigger charities

 6.45pm-7.30pm on how the private sector can engage with and help social entrepreneurs.

 7.30pm Drinks and a buffet dinner (we will be asking for some voluntary contribution to cover the cost of food and drink on the night)

This is a great chance to meet and chat to those social entrepreneurs that you have or have not spoken to before. These really are the cream of the crop when it comes to UK social entrepreneurs, so please make a special effort to be there. We know that you won't be disappointed!

We expect the event to be a chance to celebrate, debate and discuss.


  RSVP: Finlay.Gall@vpf.org.uk

 

8th December, Christmas Concert at the House of St. Barnabas

VPF members and friends assembled for a Christmas concert in the beautiful Chapel at the House of St Barnabas followed by champagne and eats. Jonathan Moore read from the Christmas Carol to put everyone in the mood, Hugh Burns, a renowned guitarist, wowed the audience with his talent and finally some beautiful opera from the Stankov ensemble . Simon Maddrell, CEO of Excellent Development spoke about their work in Kenya and why his concept of sand-dams built by the community has a chance of revolutionising the water resourcing problem in Africa.

June 4th, 2009, VPF Trailblazer Ball at the Science Museum

350 VPF friends, members, supporters and social entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the achievements both of the foundation as well as the charities that it supports. The evening commenced with a champagne reception and was followed by a three course dinner, the premiere of the 2009 VPF film and the entertaining auction of Johnny Gould. The guests then danced and continued the celebration to the lively tunes of the Earthlights Boogie Band. A new feature this year was the Buy Once Give Twice auction technology which provided welcome table entertainment. With the generosity of corporate sponsors, including Barclays Capital (main event sponsor) and Goldman Sachs (silver sponsor), as well the bidding and pledging of guests, the event raised over £80,000 net profit.

Wednesday April 22nd Social Innovation Series

April 22nd, 2009 – social innovation series no. 2 "Social Enterprise: an idea whose time has come?"

A group of approximately 80 VPF-sponsored social entrepreneurs, members, corporate sponsors and guests gathered at London Business School to hear some of the leading thinkers and practitioners in the social enterprise field discuss its past, present and future.

The panel consisted of:

The questions debated centred around the state of the social enterprise sector in the UK as well as what roles government, the private sector and the general public could play to facilitate social enterprise becoming a more mainstream phenomenon. We also heard some personal perspectives and stories on why this sector is so fast-moving, dynamic and exciting.

November 27th, 2008 - Xmas party

130 members and friends turned up to the recent VPF 3rd anniversary event at the House of St. Barnabas in Soho Square.

James Partridge gave an inspiring talk about the work of Changing Faces and Andrea and Barry Coleman elucidated the exciting future of Riders for Health.

Click here to watch a short video.

October 1st, 2008 - Social Innovation Series

Theme of "Innovative approaches to improving kids life chances"

We had a superb session in the first of our Social Innovation series at: Mary Ward House: 5-7 Tavistock Place, W1. featuring:

Brett Wigdortz, CEO and Founder of Teach First

John Quinn of Beat Bullying

Daniel Baltzer of Kids Company

They discussed the work of their charities and their different approaches to helping disadvantaged kids in the UK to lead fuller lives. The audience of over 80 members and friends asked some penetrating questions and were given an opportunity to explore how they could make a difference, either through skills-contribution or one-on-one work with disadvantaged kids.

Midsummer Night's Ball

Thursday 5th June 2008

A wonderful evening was had at the LSO St Lukes, 161 Old Street, London EC1. Over 240 guests attended and with the significant sum raised from our guests and the various auctions, VPF will be able to extend the number of charities that it funds in 2008.

Click to make a donation to the Appeal if you couldn't attend. 

A special thanks to our sponsors.

Our Sponsors

  • February 27th, 2008

    Chris Underhill, founder of VPF-supported charity Basic Needs and Maria Malan, whose story about her ability to generate a great livelihood due to Fairtrade ethical supplier practices poses some interesting thoughts, came to speak to VPF members. Hosting the festivities will be Olympic gold medalist and VPF trustee, Jonathan Edwards. This was followed up with some great South African Fairtrade wines to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.

    Click here to view a short video of the event.



  • November 28th, 2007

    Andrea Coleman, CEO and founder of VPF-supported charity Riders for Health came to talk about the inspirational work that the charity has been doing. It was also a chance for VPF to celebrate its 2nd year birthday.

    Click here to view a short video of the event.