The PR industry’s mission to create a thriving social enterprise sector continues at an upcoming forum hosted by the PRCA and The City of London Guild of Public Relations Practitioners. The forum will address both in-house and agency practitioners and will include a panel discussion and the launch of the first ‘buy social’ directory, an online database of UK social enterprise suppliers.

Social enterprises trade like other businesses, but reinvest their profits in social and environmental causes. By using a social enterprise supplier, a buyer can improve its CSR credentials. For the PR industry, social enterprises can help agencies and companies increase their social impact, and will encourage greater diversity within the profession.

Francis Ingham, PRCA director general, says, “We see it as a way to foster skills in communities that might otherwise not have the opportunities to participate in our sector. There are all kinds of services now available from the social enterprise sector, from catering to office equipment, but we are particularly excited by the opportunities presented to young film-makers, designers, editorial and photography teams that can support and enhance our agencies and in-house departments, and provide a new stream of diverse talent directly into our industry.”

The forum will take place on 10 June and will be hosted by Lloyds Banking Group. The panel discussion will include speakers from the Cabinet Office, City of London Corporation, Social Enterprise UK, Lloyds Banking Group, the PRCA and The PR Guild, and will be followed by drinks and networking.