What is a Social Enterprise?

It’s business at its best.

Social enterprises are a significant part of the UK economy, spanning all sectors far and wide. They’re more inclusive than m ainstream businesses, often led by a more diverse group of people. They’re more likely to employ people who are disadvantaged and often operate in geographical areas of deprivation. Above all, however, they’re determined to make a positive difference.

What do they do?

Against this backdrop, the products they produce are award-winning, premium, and beautiful – earning the right to sit alongside top household brands. With business plans focused on challenging our social norms when it comes to shopping, Social Enterprises are the businesses of the future. They demonstrate a better way to do business, one that prioritises benefit to people and the planet, and uses the majority of any profit to further their mission.

Who are they?

There are now more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing £60 billion to the economy and employing around tw o million people. They contribute to reducing economic inequality, improving social justice, and environmental sustainability.

Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits, and where they work is transforming lives and communities across the UK and around the world.