Minister for Industry sees socially enterprising Camden in action

20 November 2006

Minister for Industry Margaret Hodge MP saw social enterprise in action when she visited Camden during Social Enterprise Day (Thursday 16 November).

The Minister dropped in on two of the borough’s social enterprises to see how successful local businesses can also support and improve the skills of the local community.

Her first stop was Holts Jewellery Academy in Hatton Garden where she met students who are learning the specialist skills needed to enter and compete in the local jewellery industry. She then visited Community In Focus, a social enterprise set up to give people living in the King’s Cross area the opportunity to tap in to local creative industries such as publishing, design and journalism.

Margaret Hodge MP said:

"Having worked in a social enterprise in Hackney in the 1970s, I know the real and tangible benefits they bring to the local community. I also know that it's tough running a social enterprise which is why I am encouraged to see that Camden Council is working with local businesses and entrepreneurs to provide the support necessary for business growth. Currently, there are over 55 000 social enterprises changing lives for the better across the UK and the Government wants to help open the door for thousands more."

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council, said:

“I’m delighted we had the opportunity to welcome Margaret Hodge in her role as Minister for Industry to the borough and show her two of 35 successful social enterprises in Camden. Holts Jewellery Academy and Communities in Focus are great examples of businesses that are giving something back to the local community and helping local people improve their skills and find work. We are committed to offering the support, training and advice so that with time and effort this type of organisation could become an integral part of a Camden as a borough of opportunity for everyone.”

Social enterprises are businesses whose profits are reinvested back into the business or used for the good of the community, like Jamie Oliver’s restaurant ‘Fifteen’.

Jason Holt, Director of R Holts and Co, set Holts Jewellery Academy up as a social enterprise last year to bridge the gap between the local jewellery trade and the nearby Bourne Estate which has a high level unemployment. Jason Holt was recently awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2006.

Hatton Garden in Holborn is home to over 450 jewellery businesses and is the largest creative hub in London employing some 1,700 people. Camden Council has supported the local jewellery industry since 1999 through funding and coordinated the development of the Jewellery Sector Investment Plan with partners the City Fringe Partnership and Goldsmiths’ Company.

Catherine Packard founded Community In Focus last year to give local people the training and skills they need to enter the creative industries. Its other aims are to better inform the communities living in King’s Cross about the area’s development and improve community cohesion. Community In Focus recently launched Cross Section, a magazine for local people, giving young people the opportunity to gain production, design, print and journalism skills.

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