Poll shows increasing demand for businesses with social and environmental values

A YouGov poll commissioned by the Social Enterprise Coalition reveals that an overwhelming majority of people believe that social and environmental values of business are as or more important than before the onset of the credit crunch.   

Only 13% of respondents said that they believe that social and environmental values of business are less important since the credit crunch began, whereas almost three quarters (71%) believe that they are as or more important than before the economic upheaval. 

The findings were released on Social Enterprise Day (Thursday November 20), a national day to celebrate and promote social enterprise. Social enterprises are businesses set up to tackle a social or environmental need. According to Government figures, there are 55,000 social enterprises in the UK that contribute £8.4 billion per year to the UK economy.

The poll also shows that people want more social enterprises in the UK. When asked what we need more of to ensure a sustainable economy for the future, 42% of respondents chose social enterprises, ahead of government institutions, charities funded by donations, and traditional business.

Vivian Woodell, chief executive of The Phone Co-op, the UK’s only telecommunications co-operative and an award-winning social enterprise, said: “Increasingly all businesses are finding that putting the customer first, respecting staff and protecting the environment are key factors in commercial success, not just ‘bolt-on’ extras. These are the values that social enterprises have always held to be central to what they do and it is great to see that more and more people are demanding that those values should not be secondary to business, but absolutely fundamental.”

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said, “The social enterprise movement is showing the rest of the business community the way.  In these tougher times, people still want to see vibrant businesses contributing to the economy, but they also want those businesses to consider the communities and the environment in which they operate.

“The Office of the Sector has been working with departments across government to develop policies and programmes to support social enterprises, so that these original and energetic entrepreneurs can really fulfil their potential to change our society for the better.”

Jonathan Bland, Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition said “These results really make it clear that the time is ripe for a business revolution. Social enterprises use business to find practical and sustainable solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing the world today, and they are absolutely essential in today’s economic climate.”