Reports

This latest report, published at the Social Value Leaders’ Summit in March 2024, analyses public sector engagement with social value. Based on Freedom of Information requests to all local authorities in England and Wales, it builds on a 2016 research exercise to form the most comprehensive dataset on social value implementation in the country. Results paint a mixed picture, with engagement increasing over the years but progress limited by a lack of clarity and consistency. While the percentage of councils with a social value policy or strategy has more than doubled since 2016, these efforts are often not effectively communicated or measured - a missed opportunity for local government to realise the full potential of this transformative approach.

This quarterly review uses survey data from our Social Enterprise Knowledge Centre to give a picture of sector operating circumstances across the country. The latest results of our Social Enterprise Advisory Panel depict a sector broadly optimistic for the year ahead, persevering in the face of economic uncertainty despite gaps in local and national government support.

Our research with the University of Worcester compares the registration and dissolution of Community Interest Companies (CICs) over the last five years to other businesses, finding interesting differences. We found that CICs were dissolved, on average, at a lower rate than other forms of registered businesses. CIC registration is growing significantly and proportionately more than other business models, but CICs tend to dissolve at a younger age.

This report, supported by the Alex Ferry Foundation, reveals the UK suffers from a business monoculture - an economy dominated by firms that primarily exist to maximise profits, whose short-termism restricts national economic performance. The research reviews evidence from the five largest economies in Europe and found that the UK is an outlier, with lower levels of investment and employment in the social economy. Social enterprises and cooperatives deliver 14% of GDP in the Netherlands, 12% in Germany and 10% in France, but our social economy is only worth around 3%.  Our European peers with bigger social economies enjoy higher wages, more training and greater representation at work – while the UK struggles with weaker economic performance and lower working standards. Analysis shows that growing the UK social economy from 3% of GDP to 12% could raise wages, boost investment, increase employee participation and productivity amongst other things.

The State of Social Enterprise is our flagship research into the key trends and issues affecting our business movement. Titled 'Mission Critical', the report shows a growing sector that is not only profitable and productive but truly pioneering. We estimate that there are 131,000 social enterprises across the country, representing almost one in 42 of all UK businesses – and we find they are not only helping people and planet but also boosting our economy, turning over around £78 billion and re-investing £1 billion in profit into their vital missions. Looking in depth at what it means to be a social enterprise today, overall the report shows a movement creating huge impact despite complex challenges. You can also download the executive summary containing the report's key findings and statistics using the link below:

The November survey of social enterprises depicts a sector weathering economic storms, resilient in the face of growing pressures but also showing real signs of strain. The picture painted is a mixed one – social enterprises are succeeding against the odds, but many are seeing incomes decline and reserves depleted. More needs to be done to support them as they continue drive growth for people and planet.

The July 2023 survey of 142 social enterprises found continued resilience and cautious recovery, although many are still uncertain about their futures. While the research suggests that inflation and economic uncertainty aren’t causing acute risk of closure for social enterprises, there are ongoing signs of strain across the sector.

We’ve been running our Buy Social Corporate Challenge since 2016, supporting big companies across business sectors to bring social enterprises into their supply chains. Our latest annual report shows the Challenge had the most successful year ever, as our 30 corporate partners spent £99 million with social enterprise suppliers. In total, more than £350million has been spent with social enterprises in the seven years of the programme.