Photo courtesy of Social Firm Wood at Aldingbourne, UK
Social Firms Europe CEFEC believes in the creation of employment for people facing barriers to the labour market because of disability or disadvantage
Photo courtesy of Social Firm Wood at Aldingbourne, UK

About us

Social Firms Europe CEFEC is the only network of Social Firms across Europe! At a time when employment is increasingly difficult for individuals who are at a significant distance from the labour market because of their disability or disadvantage, it is essential that we create the jobs for such groups and one of the most obvious solutions is to facilitate the start-up and operation of Social Firm and social co-operative businesses that offer real, paid, sustainable employment options within a supportive working environment.

Social Firms Europe CEFEC is a truly participative and integrative network, working on behalf of its members across all the EU member states to:

  • Promote the model of Social Firms and social co-operatives at EU, national and regional levels
  • Collect data and evidencing about the impact of Social Firms
  • Facilitate networking and sharing of best practice between members
  • Share skills and expertise of members
  • Encourage and explore opportunities for further research into the Social Firm model as it operates in different EU countries
  • Promote and facilitate where possible inter-trading opportunities between Social Firm businesses

Do join us in this work... we are stronger together!

 General Assembly Minute 30 June 2010 availabel here 

 

Become a member

There are three types of membership we offer. Each level of membership offers different benefits
Become a member

  1. Full membership
  2. Supporting organisation membership
  3. Individual membership

European Social Firm of the Year 2010

(Sponsored by Di-Hako, Germany)
European Social Firm of the Year 2010

 

The European Social Firm of the Year Awards were presented at the Social Firms Europe CEFEC Conference in Cambridge, UK on the 1st July. The Overall Best Social Firm award was won by Oxford Wood Recycling Ltd, UK

 

For the full results and to find out more about their organisations click here:

Research - "Linz Appeal"

Why should there be more Social Firms for disabled and disadvantaged people across Europe?
Research - "Linz Appeal"

 

The 2010 updated 'Linz Appeal' presents the collective experience of the Social Firms Europe CEFEC members with recommendations for how the growth of Social Firms can be encouraged.