GCU celebrated the history of social enterprise and the future of the sector at the John Pearce Memorial Lecture.

Béatrice Alain, Executive Director of the Chantier de l’économie sociale, in Quebec, delivered the 2019 keynote address in honour of one of the most influential figures in community enterprise in the UK.

This year’s event also featured the exhibition, A History of Social Enterprise in Scotland, which is part of a Scottish Government funded project to develop the Social Enterprise Collection (Scotland) at GCU.

The touring exhibition provides an introduction to the history and showcases the images and documents held within the archives.

Professor Cam Donaldson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at GCU, said: “Béatrice Alain is a major leader of thought and action with respect to the development of the social economy, both in Quebec and internationally.

“It was an honour to host Béatrice, and, in particular, hear her views on how to advance this hugely important sector of society.”

John Pearce, who passed away in 2011 aged 69, is viewed as a pioneer of community enterprise. The University houses an extensive archive of his work.