The Growing the New Economy convention in Oldham on 12^th February brought together an exciting mix of ca. 250 key decision makers from local authorities, health and other local public institutions, leaders of co-operatives and social enterprises with funders and investors to explore how the social economy can play a much more central role in the economic and community wellbeing of places across the country.

The Co-op kindly hosted a reception the evening before, at which CEO Steve Murrells and Independent Non-Executive Director Lord Victor Adebowale set the tone by highlighting the importance of listening, of the transfer of power, of co-production and of how vital it is that the design of this new economy is recognisable.

On the day itself, participants explored key learning and experience about what has worked in different places, and worked together to shape a future vision for place-based, co-operative and social enterprise innovation, supporting clear, viable alternatives to the traditional economic models and policies that have failed to serve people and communities in so many parts of the UK.

We are still collating feedback on the event and outcomes from it, and will be sharing the results in due course, so watch this space!