Reflecting on the Social Enterprise Summit Scotland in Stirling
Posted: 09 September 2025, in News
Last week’s ‘Fair Economy, Shared Future‘ Social Enterprise Summit in Stirling was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and ambition of Scotland’s social enterprise movement. A key moment was the launch of the Social Enterprise Census 2024, providing a rich evidence base that demonstrates the lasting impact of social enterprises over the past decade and gives policymakers the data needed to shape the future.
A live illustration of the day by the talented Eddy Draws.
While the Census offers crucial insights and a foundation for strategy, the heart of the Summit was undoubtedly the inspiring and heartfelt contributions from social enterprise leaders with lived experience. Their stories – shared through the Equity, Inclusion & Diversity spotlight and the Social Enterprise Showcase – brought home the human side of our movement: the courage, creativity, and determination of those driving change in their communities of place and interest.
Among the inspiring speakers platformed at the Summit was Danielle du Plooy of Uppertunity, who shared some of her amazing poetry on the day and has permitted us to share it with you here.
Like Nature Does by Danielle du Plooy
We say we want a fairer way
A world where every voice can grow
But change is not just what we say
It’s where we dare to go
A forest doesn’t bloom alone
Its roots are tangled, deep, and wide
It thrives through networks underground
Not power, stubbornness, or pride
A conversation held with care
Can shift the ground beneath our feet
It takes a kind of strength to share
The parts we hide, the raw heartbeat
I’ve seen it bloom, when someone’s heard
When space was made for something new
Not perfect plans, but a courageous word
Softened walls making the unseen feel true
So here’s my hope… we lead like trees
With courage, curiosity, and play
Reimagining a world that breathes
And build tomorrow, heart-led, today
The Summit was more than a conference; it was a celebration of how evidence and lived experience together can shape a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.
Kim Wallace,
Deputy CEO