The partnership follows the successful collaboration with the SSE in 2020 for its Start-Up Plus programme.

During a rigorous interview and assessment process, ten entrepreneurs covering a diverse range of social enterprises, from tackling the causes of poverty, to empowering healthcare professionals and helping refugees gain employment skills, were chosen for the Procurement Readiness programme. The course, which is due to complete in June, combines online and in-person learning sessions together with practical tips from business and procurement experts.

Among the social entrepreneurs taking part is Edinburgh-based Elaine Brown whose business Edinburgh Remakery is committed to putting an end to waste by providing services and training in repair and reuse and by supporting the local community in adopting circular economy practices.

Community activities include creative workshops, gifting of tech devices to people in need, the repair and safe disposal of old electronics and selling refurbished tech and furniture.

Elaine Brown said: “The Edinburgh Remakery believes in having courageous conversations with businesses and communities about repair and reuse. We exist to empower communities to make a difference to our planet.

“The SSE’s Procurement Readiness programme has been amazing, it came along at the perfect time, as it offers useful hints and tips and has helped me enormously. My fellow participants are all running inspirational social enterprises and we have built connections that will last beyond the course.”

Johnny McGlynn, head of Brewin Dolphin’s Edinburgh office, added: “We are pleased to be part of the School for Social Entrepreneurs’ first Procurement Readiness programme. The SSE’s extensive industry knowledge identified that many social entrepreneurs find it hard to scale up their businesses to be able to win private and public sector contracts. This course has been specifically designed to help them bridge this gap and we are delighted to be following the journey of these inspiring social entrepreneurs.”

Sacha Rose-Smith, director of entrepreneurship support & delivery, School for Social Entrepreneurs, commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Brewin Dolphin in running a blended entrepreneurial support programme for social enterprises looking to expand into procurement. The cohort is diverse, working on exciting projects ranging from sustainable tea products that provide employment for refugees, through to getting young people into the outdoors. We can’t wait to see how they develop throughout their journey with us and use their organisations to change lives and transform communities.”