the role of social enterprise
Social enterprises are a critical piece in the make up of Scotland’s economy and our communities. As long term partners in place focussed economic development and operating on a model which reinvests surpluses into social, environmental and economic outcomes, there is a growing lens on their role in achieving Community Wealth Building objectives.
There are social enterprises operating in every corner of Scotland delivering social enhancement, community ownership, inclusive employment, environmental sustainability and local leadership. By investing in people, places and community assets, they are helping to build resilient communities and vibrant town centres capable of adapting to future economic and social challenges.
Not only that, they can be critical components of supply chain in towns enabling local and ethical procurement. Buy Social Scotland helps facilitate this, an initiative supported by the Scottish Government to ensure social impact through procurement. It promotes the idea that Scottish leaders in both private and public sectors, have a positive role to play in creating a fairer and more sustainable local economy.
Take a moment to learn more about how social enterprises are contributing to better places, in the examples below.
Midsteeple Quarter, Dumfries
Midsteeple Quarter is a community benefit society established to transform vacant and underused buildings in Dumfries town centre into affordable homes, business spaces and community facilities. Read more about Midsteeple Quarter.
New Lanark Trust
The New Lanark Trust preserves and operates the UNESCO World Heritage Site through a social enterprise model, combining heritage conservation, tourism, education and local employment. Income generated supports the long-term sustainability of one of Scotland’s most significant historic communities while contributing to the regional economy. Find out more about New Lanark Trust
The Breadmaker, Aberdeen
The Bread Maker is an Aberdeen-based social enterprise that operates a successful artisan bakery, café and catering business while creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. By reinvesting its profits into skills development and inclusive employment, it helps people gain confidence, independence and work experience in a real commercial environment. Find out more about the Breadmaker.
North Ayrshire
Local authorities across Scotland and social enterprises are working together to create fair employment and retain wealth locally. North Ayrshire Council developed Scotland’s first Community Wealth Building Strategy and works closely with social enterprises, anchor institutions and local businesses to maximise local procurement and inclusive economic growth. Find out more about North Ayrshire’s Community Wealth Building Strategy.
Social Enterprise Scotland
As the national membership body, Social Enterprise Scotland champions social enterprises as drivers of inclusive economic growth. There are many more examples on their website to explore.