New guide to social enterprises

Pilotlight and Social Enterprise UK have published a new guide, entitled are Why Social Enterprise? A Guide for Charities, in response to requests from the VCS for information and advice on how to become a social enterprises, organisations that trade for a social and/or environmental purpose.

It is estimated that there are more than 68,000 social enterprises in the UK, and they contribute at least £24billion to the economy. These numbers are expected to increase as social investment takes off and the Public Services (Social Value) Act comes into force in January 2013. It is hoped the Act will create more trading opportunities for charities and social enterprises providing public services.

The new guide aims to help charities that are considering becoming a social enterprise by covers a range of different topics, including the legal structures. The guide also explains where charities can trade without structural change and where they will need to set up trading companies. The guide discusses the need to have a robust business plan in place.

To download the guide visit www.socialenterprise.org.uk/uploads/editor/files/why-social-enterprise.pdf.