THE Big Lemon – a social enterprise based in Brighton – is running a Solar Bus Tour on Friday, October 13.

It is part of Social Saturday, a nationwide day of events and

activities to celebrate the nation’s booming social enterprise sector.

The tour will be on board the UK’s first solar powered electric bus, and will take passengers to some of the city’s most innovative Social Enterprises.

There will be activities, networking, refreshments and inspirational talks.

The exclusive tour will enable passengers on the bus to find out more about The Big Lemon and will visit:

l hiSbe Food, The Rebel Supermarket

l Brighton Woodstore

l Brighton Energy Co-op’s solar farm roof installation

There is an optional lunch drop-off at The Bevy pub in Bevendean with the Friday Friends (extra £3 donation on the day).

These three pioneering Brighton social enterprises are opening their doors to share their stories, their passion for their products and services.

Social enterprises are businesses which trade to meet a social or environmental mission.

There are nearly 80,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing more than one million people and contributing more than £24 billion to the economy.

In 2016 The Big Lemon was named the national Environmental Social Enterprise of the year at the Social Enterprise UK awards.

Big Lemon MD Norman Baker said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Social Saturday which helps promote ethical business to our local community.

“I urge people to sign up for our bus tour as tickets are going fast.”

Social Saturday is a national campaign led by Social Enterprise UK, the membership body for social enterprises.

It is being supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the Co-op.

The campaign encourages consumers, businesses and public bodies to find out more about social enterprises and to buy from them.

Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK, said: “Social enterprises are using the power of business as a force for good.

“Through where they work, who they employ and how they operate they are creating jobs

for those who need them most such as the long term unemployed or the homeless, they’re protecting our environment and rejuvenating our communities.

“Like other businesses they aim to make a profit but instead of shifting them out to distant shareholders they reinvest their profits back into their social mission to create even more impact.

“Social Saturday is a day to focus on the outstanding work they are doing across the country.”

The timings for October 13 are 9.45am pick up from The Old Steine, bus stop S, finishing

back at The Old Steine at about 1.15pm

Call 01273 681681 to book.