Naomi Johnson–Executive Director, Firstport –Vice –Chair of the SECC

Innovating for good. Dublin 2010

Why Scotland supports social enterprise

• What is social enterprise?• Why is it important?• How do we create an environment for social

enterprise to thrive?• What support is there and what difference has it

made?

“Social Enterprises are dynamic businesses with a social purpose. They have social aims, trade in competitive markets and reinvest their profits for community benefit.” - Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition

What is social enterprise?

•Demographics and stats•Drive and passion•Sole traders through to global trading

There is no one picture or description...motivation is the key.

Who is a social entrepreneur....

Maslow’s hierarchy of need

•Banking crisis•Trust in companies is at a low•Trust in the West generally is low. Terrorism is a real threat•The gap between the rich and poor is getting bigger and we fear upcoming cuts, job losses and their impact on our communities.

We live in changing times...

•Innovation is important to the economy. •Entrepreneurship in times of recession•Public sector spending pressures•Need to have social innovation if we also want to get the best from our public sector•Social entrepreneurs also lead new ideas in the private sector•Business ethics and corporate reputation

Why are social entrepreneurs important?

•Financial framework•Support and advice•Procurement•Profile and awareness

Creating a supportive environment

“In 2005 research indicated there are at least 1,100 social enterprises in Scotland employing 30,000 people and adding £1.25 bn to the national economy.More recent local and national studies suggest the true figure could be more than 3,000” - DTI

And so to Scotland...

•Key groups involved in lobbying and promotion•SECC established in 2005 by intermediary bodies•Just launched latest manifesto (Scotland elections May 5th 2011)

Lobbying and promotion

•First social enterprise strategy in 2007•April 2008 to March 2011 - Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan. •Support for post March 2011 had been announced

Government buy in....

"Social enterprise has a vital role to play in helping the Executive with some of its main commitments for Scotland - growing the economy, delivering excellent public services and supporting stronger communities together with developing a vibrant third sector.

"The time has come for social enterprise to take a much more central role in our society…” Rhona Brankin

Promotion, opening markets, increasing finance range , business support for increased trading opportunity

Back to 2007

In 2008 - Enterprising Third Sector

“The Scottish Government wants to create the right operating conditions in which an enterprising third sector can play a full role in the development, design and delivery of policy and services in Scotland, putting the people of Scotland at the heart of their plans. …

Our ambition is for Scotland to lead the world in the development of a truly enterprising third sector.”

John Swinney, Finance Minister

Three contracts from April 2011• Business support• Funding and finance• Opening up markets

There is also uncertainty in third sector, upcoming election and budget announcements...

SSEC has just launched its manifesto...the work continues

Moving forwards

SSEC has made significant influenceSupport from Scottish Government has made a

difference

But...still implementation at local level and we need to live up to expectations!

Conclusions

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