Creative Problem Solving Workshop for Social Enterprises

Introduction

Social enterprises are the backbone of many communities. They respond to social issues in ways that resonate with everyday people. Their presence in the wider economy dates back to 1844 in the UK. Many have survived several crises, yet the poly-crisis over the last few years has led to many social enterprises failing, especially early-stage ones.

It is time to #SaveEarlyStageSocialEnterprises.

Main objectives

This workshop has been designed to empower Leicestershire’s early-stage social enterprises with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to build resilient, impactful, and innovative organisations. Social entrepreneurs will develop competencies in creative problem solving through a collaborative, supportive, and co-learning environment.

By the end of this workshop, social entrepreneurs will have developed a toolkit of techniques to identify and reframe problems specific to their enterprises, creatively devise solutions, enhance decision-making, and strengthen their social enterprise's ability to adapt and thrive.

Methodology

The session will utilise real-life social enterprises as case studies, exploring the six stages of creative problem-solving:

• Problem framing, problem reframing,
• Idea production, idea development,
• Evaluation, and
• Analysis

In addition, participants will apply key thinking strategies, such as lateral thinking, to build unconventional ideas and generate a tangible impact. These practical tools will allow the social entrepreneurs to apply the methods directly to their social enterprises by identifying opportunities for innovation, service diversification, and collaboration.

Who should attend

Social enterprise decision-makers (directors, managers and supervisors)

Inclusions: snacks, some workshop materials, and a certificate.

This workshop is delivered by Dr Andy Salmon for De Montfort University in partnership with the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire.

About Dr Andy Salmon

Andy Salmon is Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing at Aston Business School. He is an experienced entrepreneur and educator with a passion for supporting business growth.

After gaining international experience, he founded and ran his own consultancy for over a decade before successfully exiting the business. He then joined a global e-learning organisation, delivering services to over five million students across countries including Australia, the USA, UK, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Andy went on to establish and lead the South Australian arm of a major consumer IT services firm, before deciding to focus on helping others build their businesses. To complement his practical experience with academic insight, he earned a Master’s degree in 2008.

Returning to the UK, he founded a training and consultancy company and began working with universities as a Visiting Lecturer. His industry background informed a practical, problem-based teaching approach, which led to a full-time academic role at Birmingham City University in 2015.

In late 2022, Andy joined Aston Business School as a Senior Teaching Fellow. He became Director of the MSc Strategy and International Business programme in 2023, and in January 2025, took on leadership of the MSc Strategic Marketing Management programme. His focus is on equipping future business leaders through impactful teaching and programme development.