ABOUT THE BOOK

We live in a time where many businesses have a bad reputation.  But social enterprises are outperforming their peers whilst tackling the triple threat of economic stagnation, social division and environmental meltdown. In order to resolve the crisis in capitalism, more social enterprises are needed to rebalance the UK economy.

I became a social entrepreneur in 1980, aged 22. This book is my story of the many social enterprises I have started-up and led – companies, charities and co-operatives. It’s a tale of highs and lows from rapid growth to financial cliff edges.  I share mistakes and accidents, successes and failures, risks taken and what happened as a result.

I hope you enjoy this

If you believe that business should be a force for good, you will find this book not only an invaluable ‘How To’ guide, but also a well written and entertaining life story. Treat yourself and read Patrick’s book

Dirk Rohwedder
Associate Director – the School for Social Entrepreneurs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I became a social entrepreneur aged 22, long before the term was known.  My first, a worker cooperative, grew through a recession to over £3 million turnover in just over 2 years, despite the fact that we had no investment and little idea of what we were doing.  We had a passion for vegetarian food and, as early as 1980, a knowledge of the impact of the meat and dairy industry on the climate.

Forty years on I have set up, scaled up and grown 12 social enterprises, including companies, charities and cooperatives.