Social Enterprise

Social enterprises are businesses that trade with a good cause. Famous examples are The Big Issue, The Co-op, The Eden Project and Divine Chocolate. They encompass businesses that sell goods and services across markets, with consumers, other businesses and with the public sector. They aim to be financially self-sustaining, essential as their profit is then invested back into their social and/or environmental purpose.

Plymouth City Council has a long-standing commitment to supporting the social enterprise sector. Plymouth is home to a vibrant community of social and co-operative businesses, community organisations, development trusts and more. The city has one of the most active social enterprise networks in the country and the University of Plymouth was the world’s first officially certified ‘social enterprise’ university.

In 2013 Plymouth became the UKs first Social Enterprise City, a badge that recognised the growth and success within the sector. Now, almost 10 years on, the statistics are striking: there are over 200 social enterprises in Plymouth with a collective annual turnover of nearly £600 million from trading activity across a wide range of economic activities. The sector continues to grow: it employs over 9,000 people and two out of the five largest employers in the city are social enterprises; with well over half of social enterprises in Plymouth led by women.

However striking the impact socially and economically, the evidence shows us there is still much to do to support and strengthen the social enterprise sector, building resilience in the social enterprises and the city. Plymouth Social Enterprise Network has set out an ambitious strategy to help grow and foster the social enterprise movement.

The sector has opportunities for growth right across Plymouth. Social enterprises are contributing huge value to the city culturally, socially and environmentally. They are providing much-needed solutions to promote long-term prosperity and building the more inclusive economy the city needs.

You can read and find out more using the following links below:  

• Plymouth Social Enterprise Network  
• Social Enterprise Places
• Plymouth Book Of Social Enterprise Wonder
• The State Of The Sector 2019 Report
• Uplifting & Inspiring Facts - 2019