In 2008 UCIT were responsible for hosting the first ever Trade Show for Social Enterprise on the island. It's natural therefore that we are very enthusiastic about The Wheel's latest project to stage the island's first and biggest Charities Expo at the RDS this May.

UCIT were among the first to register for a space at the event which, according to the website, will be a one day first of its kind exhibition to be held in Ireland.

The Exhibition will get charities and businesses, along with members of the public, together in the same venue so that they can network, develop partnerships and share best practice.

The Irish Charities Expo is FREE to attend and over 5,000 company representatives will be invited to attend the event to engage and communicate with up to 100 charities that will be showcasing and promoting themselves to the key charity related personnel in Irish businesses. To pre-register visit www.irishcharitiesexpo.ie

In this time of change, issues such as good governance, volunteer retention and leadership are all challenges for charities apart from the obvious cash donations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved into a movement beyond philanthropy- more than giving, and the Irish Charities Expo will bring corporate executives, managers and community leaders together with charities to promote the added importance of volunteerism and the need for corporate involvement and leadership to create a better tomorrow. The Expo will help raise awareness within businesses and recruit volunteers to help Irish charities help others.