Research published today reveals that social enterprise is included in the draft strategies of all 39 local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) in England. LEPs published their strategies last month, setting out how they intend to use the £5.2 billion of European funding* that will be allocated to them over the next seven years, from 2014*.
The findings are detailed in Building Local Economies, a review** carried out by Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which campaigns on behalf of social enterprises – businesses with a social or environmental mission. The national body says that the findings are good news for social enterprises, which feature most strongly in strategies where the objectives are to address social inclusion and support SMEs to start-up and grow.
In applying for the funds, LEPs were requested to align their strategies to the EU Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme’s top priorities, which include support for SMEs, social inclusion, employment, skills and low carbon.
Findings
Social Enterprise UK reviewed the draft strategy of each LEP. All 39 LEPs mention social enterprise at least once, and:
· 28 LEPs include social enterprise to address the objective of social inclusion – reducing poverty and supporting disadvantaged individuals and families.
· 23 LEPs include social enterprise within their plans for supporting SMEs – building the capacity of existing businesses to grow and encouraging the development of sustainable new businesses.
· 19 LEPs are considering social investment as part of their planned activities, with 11 LEPs specifically considering local impact funds.
· 15 LEPs mention social enterprise to address the objective of innovation.
· 15 LEPs mention social enterprise to address the objective of skills.
· 11 LEPs mention social enterprise to address the objective of employment.
· 8 LEPs mention social enterprise to address the objective of low carbon.
Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, said:
“Through LEPs, this large pot of European funding is going to play an important role in supporting and regenerating communities over the next seven years and social enterprises need to be a part of the plans.
“These findings give social enterprises in each area some knowledge about how and where social enterprise is addressed in the draft strategies to enable them to engage better with LEPs. We can provide our members with more information about what each LEP is planning and put them in touch with relevant local and regional networks.
“What is excellent to see is that LEPs are really recognising the contribution that social enterprises can make in local areas – not only towards achieving their social inclusion objectives but also across key themes like competitiveness, innovation, skills and employment. We look forward to working with our members, local and regional partners, and the LEPs themselves to putting these plans into action.”
Social Enterprise UK will continue to monitor strategies, engage with LEPs and inform members and partners as this important work continues to develop quickly.