Oldham Social Entrepreneurs Network (OSEN)

Logo of Oldham Social Entrepreneurs Network featuring a circular pattern of blue and teal lines with the text 'OSEN' and the full name below.

  • OSEN is a collaborative network bringing together social enterprises, partners, funders, buyers, and supporters who share a commitment to inclusive economic development in Oldham.

    Our primary focus is Oldham, but we welcome associates and supporters from Greater Manchester, across the UK, and internationally where this strengthens Oldham’s social economy.

    By being hosted at The HIVE Oldham, OSEN sits alongside key local stakeholders and the Oldham Trading Platform, directly linking our members into wider local and regional economic strategies, including Oldham’s SEUK Places status.

  • To empower and connect social entrepreneurs in Oldham by providing a collaborative platform for growth, innovation, and impact.

    We support trading social enterprises, foster partnerships, and champion inclusive economic development through shared resources, advocacy, and capacity building.

  • A thriving, inclusive social enterprise ecosystem in Oldham that: - Drives sustainable economic growth - Creates meaningful employment - Delivers lasting social impact for local communities

    OSEN aims to be a recognised hub for social entrepreneurship – integral to local and regional strategies and a model for collaboration and innovation across the UK.

  • Collaboration
    We bring people together to co‑create solutions, build partnerships, and achieve shared goals.

    Integrity
    We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.

    Inclusivity
    We design our activities to be accessible and welcoming, valuing diverse people, organisations, and ideas.

    Impact
    We focus on measurable social, environmental, and economic outcomes for Oldham.

    Innovation
    We encourage creative, enterprising responses to local challenges and opportunities.

What We Do

OSEN supports social enterprises through a mix of practical support, connection, and advocacy:

Workshops, training, and peer learning

One‑to‑one support and signposting

Practical tools, resources, and guidance

Support & Development

Collaboration & Networking

Purposeful networking events

Connections to buyers, funders, and anchor institutions

Opportunities for inter‑trading and partnerships

Advocacy & Representation

Championing Oldham’s social enterprise sector

Influencing local, regional, and national policy

Raising the profile of social enterprise

Awareness & Promotion

Sharing member stories and successes

Events, campaigns, and communications

Promoting social value and ethical trading

Innovation & Impact

Support with impact measurement

Encouraging innovation and shared solutions

Improving access to finance and investment readiness

Our work & imapct to date

OSEN is an established, place‑based network shaped by years of delivery, partnership working, and system leadership. We are not a new or speculative initiative; OSEN has emerged from sustained work to strengthen Oldham’s social enterprise ecosystem, with demonstrable influence on strategy, investment, and delivery.

  • GM Proper Good Social Investment Programme

    2021–present

    OSEN has been actively involved in the Greater Manchester Proper Good social investment programme, initiated through the Oldham In Place Partnership. This work has helped shape local investment readiness activity, connect Oldham enterprises into GM‑wide opportunities, and ensure that social investment models reflect local need and capacity.

  • SEUK Places - Oldham

    2022–present


    OSEN led Oldham’s successful application to Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) Places and continues to provide stewardship of this status. This positions Oldham as a recognised place for social enterprise growth, aligning local delivery with national best practice and increasing visibility with funders, policymakers, and partners.

  • Oldham Social Enterprise Business Ambassador

    2022–present

    OSEN provides sector leadership through the role of Oldham Social Enterprise Business Ambassador, representing local social enterprises externally, championing social value, influencing policy and procurement conversations, and building relationships with regional and national stakeholders.

  • Research, Evidence & System Insight

    2022–present

    OSEN has undertaken – and contributed to – extensive background research that underpins our programmes and priorities. This includes mapping the local social enterprise base, identifying barriers to trading and growth, and informing place‑based approaches to enterprise support, investment, and procurement.

What this means:

Together, this work demonstrates that OSEN: - Has credibility with public, private, and voluntary sector partners - Is embedded in Oldham’s economic and social infrastructure - Brings strategic insight as well as practical delivery - Is well‑placed to steward future programmes, partnerships, and investment

OSEN combines grassroots enterprise experience with system‑level influence, making it a trusted platform for collaboration, innovation, and impact in Oldham’s social economy.

Memberships

OSEN is open to organisations and individuals who share our values and objectives.

  • Full Members (Oldham)

    Registered social enterprises based in Oldham, or clearly serving Oldham residents, that are trading or have a clear plan to trade.

    Join Here

  • Associates

    Individuals and organisations outside Oldham who align with OSEN’s mission and contribute skills, expertise, or market access.

    Join Here

  • Supporters

    Strategic partners, funders, networks, and buyers who help strengthen OSEN’s reach and impact.

    Click Here

Your Questions, Answered

  • OSEN is guided by a Steering Committee that provides strategic direction and accountability, supported by themed working groups focusing on: - Advocacy - Events & Training - Trading & Procurement - Investment Readiness - Communications

    OSEN is hosted by Upturn, which provides coordination, governance, and back‑office support, ensuring robust policies and compliance.

  • We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible network. Our events and activities are designed to enable equitable participation, and we actively seek feedback from members to shape our priorities and improve how we work.

  • OSEN is proudly hosted at The HIVE Oldham, a central hub for enterprise, innovation, and collaboration in the borough.

    Being based at The HIVE enables OSEN members to connect directly with: - Major local stakeholders - The Oldham Trading Platform - Regional and national social enterprise activity