According to Social Enterprise UK there are 131,000 social enterprises in the UK, which contribute £60 billion to our GDP and have created 2.3 million jobs Home | Social Enterprise UK. Here in Bolton our most recent research (State of the Sector report – 2021) shows that of the 1672 VCSE organisations in our town, 234 identify as social enterprises, with most being under 5 years old.
This means that the social enterprise sector is big, and growing, and offers innovative solutions to the many social and environmental issues our society faces.
Social enterprises are a key part of building an inclusive economy – an economy that works for all people. They are more likely than corporate businesses to be led by, and employ, women and people from minoritised backgrounds, and are often well connected to the communities they exist to support. This diversity not only provides good employment opportunities but also drives greater innovation and, therefore, growth.
Markets are increasingly eager to support ethical, better business. Whether individual consumers, large corporates or service commissioners, people want to know that their spending is adding social or environmental value to our communities.
Social enterprise leads the way in creating an economy that works for people and planet -doing commercially successful business and using profit for purpose.
Bolton CVS currently hosts Proper Good – a programme of enterprise development support and social investment for social enterprises in Bolton.
You can find out more about the Proper Good programme here:
And keep up-to-date with the events and workshops on offer by visiting our calendar page here:
