AN influential enterprise network which brings community-focused organisations together is being given a reboot to help boost the struggling local economy.

Ardgowan Hospice's chief executive Graham Gardiner and Inverclyde Association of Mental Health manager Fraser McGowan led an event arranged to relaunch the local social enterprise network.

The pair were joined by the likes of counselling service Mind Mosaic and horticultural trust Parklea Branching Out, among other organisations.

Organisers CVS Inverclyde hope to combine the strengths of those involved to grow the local economy - and encourage entrepreneurship for the wider social good.

CVSI chief executive Charlene Elliott said: "Social enterprises can make an important contribution to Inverclyde’s economy and support worthwhile causes.

"We want to celebrate and support our social entrepreneurs who are hard-working and innovative.

“The network will focus on partnership building, mentoring and business development.

"Members will be able to share knowledge, ideas and hear from guest speakers.

"We share many challenges and so we’re more effective when we face them together.

“It was great to see so many people come together for our first meeting and I’m looking forward to watching the network grow.”

Hospice boss Mr Gardiner says he is passionate about driving the network forward.

He said: "I have been actively involved in social enterprises and spent ten years of my life supporting them and encouraged other people to be involved as well.

"I hope we can all share our experiences and support one another."

One of the firms represented was The Whisky Chairmen, led by social entrepreneur Rory MacDonald.

It takes end of life whisky barrels and transforms them in to pieces of furniture.

Rory added: "It is good for organisations like this to come together to find ways to grow and support one another."

Beth Welsh, the former Tail O' The Bank Credit Union manager and Calum Easton from Parklea have also signed up.

*If you are interested in joining Inverclyde’s Social Enterprise Network email catriona.macleod@cvsinverclyde.org.uk.