Today is Thursday 17th November 2022. It’s social enterprise day today and I’ve decided to celebrate that. If you don’t know, social enterprises are not-for-profit businesses. They sell goods and services just like other businesses. The difference is that the money they make doesn’t go to making their shareholders rich. It goes to making the world a better place. Imagine this. It’s Saturday, you indulge in a spot of retail therapy. You go shopping, maybe buy some clothes or jewelry. You meet friends for coffee afterward, or maybe even a beer or two (after all it is Saturday). And all this time, quietly and behind the scenes you have helped to make the world a better place. Sounds a bit crazy, but it’s a reality. Welcome to the world of Social Entrepreneurship.
Since the pandemic, this sector has grown by over 10%*. As things stand the UK now has over 100,000 social enterprises, large and small, that contribute around £60 billion to the UK economy. Social Enterprises have a social mission and this is what they invest in. From helping the environment and boosting the circular economy to providing education, support, and employment to the less well-off. These social missions can take on a wonderful variety of different forms, and to help their mission all you have to do is buy their stuff, or use their service.
My 5 Favourite Social Enterprises for 2023
Now as a social entrepreneur myself I always like to support the sector whenever I can. So, to celebrate our special day I’ve decided to share with you my 5 favourite social enterprises that you may want to check out. Some are big, some small. Some local, some global. At this point, I must point out that I’m not being paid or sponsored in any way to endorse these businesses. I just like them and use them. So here goes.
Social Enterprise UK
This is a social enterprise for social enterprises which is a good place to start. If you are starting, thinking of starting, running, or indeed just interested in all of this stuff then Social Enterprise UK is a great resource. They provide education, advice, information, resources, and campaigns on behalf of the sector.
Fairphone
One of the more well-known social enterprises. This Dutch not-for-profit business is dedicated to making smartphones more ethical and environmentally friendly. Unlike some mobile phone manufacturers that I could care to name they don’t just pay lip service to these issues either. Fairphone has consistently topped industry polls for sustainability, the use of ethical materials, fixability, and ease of upgrade without buying a new phone. They also back this up with transparency about their manufacturing methods and materials used. I have one and I love it!
Redemption Roasters
Redemption Roasters is dedicated to keeping people out of prison. They train inmates at their roastery in HMP The mount. Their profits go into the training and hiring of ex-inmates, giving them a future in the coffee industry. Education, Training, and Employment for offenders and ex-offenders reduce the likelihood of re-offending by almost 50%**. If you sip a cup of coffee in one of their London Cafes or order a pack of their freshly roasted coffee online you are actually a crimebuster! Feels good, doesn’t it?
Belu
Belu show just how big a social enterprise can get. This bottled water and mixer manufacturer’s products stand on the supermarket shelf next to the big players in fizzy water. You may be tempted to pass over this unassuming (but very chic in my opinion) brand for a more well-known one, but think again. The difference is that 100% of Belu’s net profits go to Water Aid. A great example of a third-sector company sharing the love.
Cae Rhug Hollistic Farm
So we go from one end of the spectrum to the other. From large and global, to small and local. This organic farm is just up the road from where I live, and it just shows you how a social enterprise can be sustainable in all ways. Cae Rhug provides well-being for the local community and beyond through its sustainable agriculture projects.
Well, that’s just my pick. There are hundreds and thousands out there. Perhaps you would like to share your favourite in the comments below.
- * source- Social Enterprise UK
- ** source – HM inspectorate of Probation