Social Enterprise at The O2

Expect some energetic exchanges at the UK's largest social enterprise gathering next week at the 02 Arena in London. The Social Enterprise Coalition presents Voice11, an annual opportunity for those who make and fund policy to come face to face with those who are trying to put it into practice.

There may be some lively debates following keynote speeches from senior government ministers including Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society. It's expected that Hazel Blears the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles, who is also speaking at the event, may have an alternative view of emerging government policy which promises to have a radical impact on the way third sector organisations conduct their future business.

Voice11 also offers a wide range of practical workshops, an exhibition zone, and debating sessions with a variety of speakers from the Big Issue, Co-operatives, Uk and Unison, among others. In these straitened times, the organisers are promoting the event as a useful opportunity to learn about innovative ways of investing in and securing the future for the 1,500 delegates who are expected to attend.

The event ends with the presentation of the Social Enterprise Awards with an opening speech by Labour leader Ed Milliband.