The Melting Pot, a new social enterprise in Scotland opened this week in the centre of Edinburgh, close to Waverley station. On the top floor of the Ethical Property Company’s building in Rose Street, The Melting Pot intends to support and inspire social innovators and those working with more-than-profit ideas with accessible, affordable, inspiring and flexible office and meeting spaces.

Two years in the making, the Melting Pot is the idea of Claire Carpenter, a CHE graduate and fellow. “I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe it’s really happening!” says Claire. “I know this space is needed in Edinburgh – and, working together, we can make a real difference in helping to create a better world.”

Over 100 volunteers helped over one week in the fit-out pre-opening. “This was our eco-party,” said Claire. Determination to succeed and innovation are already in evidence: using reclaimed wood and materials, donated furniture, the top floor of the Victorian building has retained the character of an attic floor with the modern and inspiring interior of a professionally resourced office space.

And, “We had fun,” says Claire, “Which is important for the project and the people we intend to support – this is a new kind of space.”

Claire and staff members will host the space in order to facilitate the sharing of resources, exchange of ideas and skills and enable members to build networks. This model of business has worked well with the Hub in London and Bristol. Other such Hubs are being set up around the world, and The Melting Pot is the first in Scotland.

There are already 35 individuals and “more than profit” organisations signed up and using space in The Melting Pot – including the CHE itself, where Osbert Lancaster, the CHE’s Executive Director, is now based. “My new office space offers me the chance to have a choice of spaces from minute to minute. I will be able to hold a quiet meeting or network with other pioneering businesses and organisations.”

Claire would like give a special thanks to all the people from the CHE who have already contributed so much to this project. And to extend an open invitation to come and visit, now we’re up and running – “Come and see what all the work has been about!”

Tuesdays and Thursdays during October are open days so come and use the office facilities free and meet Claire and Melting Pot members.

There’s still plenty of space in The Melting Pot. To find out more, check out www.TheMeltingPotEdinburgh.org.uk or give Claire a call on 08454583211 or 0131 243 2626.