THE first students have graduated from the School for Social Entrepreneurs–East (SSE-East) at a graduation ceremony held at University Campus Suffolk and the Eastern Enterprise Hub in Ipswich.

During a year-long programme, the students have been working to establish new social enterprise businesses.

Besides the graduation ceremony, yesterday’s event also gave students the chance to demonstrate their achievements to established social entrepreneurs, business leaders and potential investors through a series of pitches and demonstrations.

A second group of students has now begun the course, with the two cohorts between them already responsible for social enterprises with a combined turnover of �21.5millilon and employing around 730 people.

Among those at the ceremony was Matthew Cole of regional law firm Prettys, a principal sponsor of SSE-East which has also worked to mentor many of the students.

“We are delighted that we have been able to help these new social entrepreneurs on their way to starting new businesses,” said Mr Cole.

Celia Hodson, chief executive of the Eastern Enterprise Hub, of which the SSE-East forms part, added: “The graduation of our first set of students represents a combination of vision, dedication and talent not only from our students but also from the amazing social entrepreneurs and business leaders who have given so much to nurture our students.”