Fact sheets

The UK headline facts

There are around 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, with a collective turnover of £78 billion and a workforce of 2.3 million

Our 2025 State of Social Enterprise Report (SOSE) surveyed nearly 2,000 social enterprises to look in depth at the key trends and issues affecting the sector. Titled ‘Backbone of Britain’, it shows that social enterprises are continuing to deliver for society against the odds –  they’re addressing the big challenges of our time, supporting vulnerable groups, creating jobs and opportunities, driving growth at a local level, addressing the mental health of the nation, and taking on the climate emergency. 83% also pay the real Living Wage.

Here’s the headline facts showing the economic, social and environmental impact of the UK’s social enterprise movement.

Working conditions in social enterprise

This factsheet contains the key findings from our report published in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation, which looks into the quality of employment created by social enterprises compared to the wider business community. From recruitment to paying the real Living Wage it shows just why social enterprises represent business at its best when it comes to work, finding that social enterprise employers are more likely to pay better, offer training, involve employees in organisational decision-making, and retain staff.