SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

What is a Social Enterprise?

The Department of Trade and Industry defines social enterprises as:

"businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally re-invested for that purpose in the business or the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners."

The Value of Social Enterprise

Social enterprises can help to achieve sustainable, healthy communities by:

• helping to create jobs and wealth for the community;
• giving people the power to decide how to regenerate their neighbourhood;
• showing new ways to deliver public services;
• providing services for the community not provided by anyone else;
• helping to develop an inclusive society and active citizenship.

Useful Links

Social Enterprise East of England -  membership organisation and strategy and policy organisation covering the six counties in the Eastern region.  The website contains information on business support, procurement, training and finance, as well as detail on what is happening locally.

Social Enterprise Coalition -  UK national body for social enterprise.  Supports and represents work of members, influences national policy and promotes best practice.

The Guild - provides business support, training and consultancy to social enterprises and the voluntary and community sectors.

Nearbuyou - national trading network for social enterprises and those who wish to trade with them.  Find tenders, offers and requests, or search for social enterprises. 

Business Link East - provides advice and information for businesses, including specific information for social enterprises.