Footsey - the social economy trade fair
Supported by Involve Yorkshire & Humber, the Development Trusts Association and Social Enterprise Yorkshire & the Humber
Footsey was the largest social enterprise fair in the UK. It brought together commissioners and the voluntary and community sector to buy and sell services for our communities. It was organised by a partnership between Involve Yorkshire & Humber and the Development Trusts Association. 
Footsey 2009:
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attracted over 700 delegates and over 100 exhibitors
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provided delegates with a unique opportunity to trade, learn and network
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created a live market place for commissioners to come together with the voluntary and community sector
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workshops included: ‘Opportunities in Health and Social Care’ and ‘How to bid for local authority tenders’
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brought in financial support from Success Doncaster, Yorkshire Forward, Business Link Yorkshire and Charity Bank.
“We have supported this event since its inception. When public spending is under
pressure, there are opportunities opening up for social enterprises to deliver public
services which are more cost effective, efficient and of even better quality.”
Tom Riordan, former Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward
Involve Yorkshire & Humber (formerly Yorkshire & the Humber Forum) is an independent social business and charity which leads a vibrant voluntary sector in the region.
The Development Trusts Association is dedicated to helping people set up development trusts, learn from each other and work effectively.
Social Enterprise Yorkshire & the Humber (SEYH) represents, promotes and connects social enterprise in the region.
This case study is part of a series, published in Building links: why support and development organisations matter for Yorkshire and the Humber.
