Circular Economy in Practice: Local Enterprise & Social Value

​Social Founders Forum: Circular Economy in Practice

​This Social Founders Forum brings together founders, local entrepreneurs, and community practitioners who are actively building and running enterprises across Hackney.

​Framed around circular economy in practice, the session explores how local enterprise can help keep value, skills, and opportunity circulating within the borough — contributing to inclusive economic growth and long-term community resilience.

​The discussion will reflect on the practical experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by underrepresented founders and local enterprises, with a focus on place-based support, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Expect a grounded, experience-led conversation followed by time to connect informally with others working across Hackney’s enterprise ecosystem.

​1:00pm – Arrival
1:30pm – Speakers and moderated discussion
4:00pm – Tea, snacks and networking
5:00pm – Close

​Speakers:

​Taylan Sahbaz – CEO of Day-Mer Community Centre, leading community-led initiatives and advocacy work supporting migrant and local communities in Hackney.

​Tom Campbell – Director of Stokey Energy, a Community Benefit Society helping transition Hackney towards a zero-carbon neighbourhood. With a background in cultural policy, regeneration and urban planning, Tom works at the intersection of climate action and local development.

​Lei Yang – Founder of Rouge, an independent shop and community space in Stoke Newington (est. 2005). Through Rouge, Lei brings beautifully crafted items from China to London, challenging stereotypes around Chinese manufacturing and celebrating quality, skill, and cultural exchange.

​Robert Beckford – Founder of Dalston Jazz Bar, an independent venue supporting live music, culture, and community in Hackney.

​Who can attend:

​Hackney-based founders and local entrepreneurs
Anyone registered with Hackney Impact
Hackney business owners
Hackney social enterprise founders
Hackney local authority officers and practitioners working in related or overlapping areas

​This forum is part of Hackney Impact, a council-backed programme offering free support to Hackney-based founders and local enterprises through mentoring, practical workshops, and access to networks around funding, sustainability, and growth.

​Hackney Impact is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Hackney Council (London Borough of Hackney) in collaboration with Hackney Business Network, and supported by the Greater London Authority.

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