As the UK gears up for its 2024 General Election, the influence of social enterprises on shaping election policies has become increasingly significant. Social Enterprise, which blends social missions with business strategies, has grown in prominence over the past decade, addressing critical societal issues while fostering economic resilience. This election cycle presents a crucial opportunity for social enterprises to advocate for policies that both support growth and enhance impact.
Social enterprises have gained recognition for their contributions to solving pressing social issues, such as homelessness, unemployment and environmental degradation. Their unique position allows them to act as intermediaries between the private sector, government, and civil society, fostering innovative solutions and sustainable development. Consequently, political parties are increasingly acknowledging the importance of social enterprises in their election manifestos.
To enhance their ability to address societal challenges, social enterprises are advocating for better economic policies and support mechanisms. They call for increased access to funding through dedicated grants, loans, and investment opportunities tailored to their needs. By pushing for dedicated funding streams and investment incentives, social enterprises aim to secure the financial support crucial for their operations and growth. Additionally, they propose tax incentives that reward businesses reinvesting their profits into social or environmental projects, recognising and encouraging contributions to societal well-being.
A supportive regulatory environment is essential for social enterprises – a further simplifying of legal structures and advocating for public procurement policies that prioritise socially responsible businesses. By seeking commitments to streamline legal processes, social enterprise aims to make it easier for all social ventures to establish and operate more easily; influencing government contracts and spending to favour enterprises that deliver social value not only reduces administrative burdens but also encourages innovation and sustainability.
Given their mission-driven nature, social enterprises take the lead in promoting social and environmental policies. They push for robust climate policies, including support for green technologies and renewable energy initiatives, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, they advocate for policies that promote equality, diversity and social inclusion, aiming to address inequality and support marginalised communities. These efforts highlight the unique role that social enterprises play in driving positive social and environmental change, emphasising the need for supportive policies in the upcoming UK elections
To influence election policies, social enterprises engage with policymakers through consultations, lobbying, and policy forums, providing evidence-based recommendations and showcasing successful case studies to highlight their sector’s benefits to both society and economy. They also form coalitions with NGOs, business associations, and advocacy groups to amplify their voice, presenting a united front and demonstrating broad-based support for proposed policy initiatives. Finally, they leverage social media, public relations, and community engagement to run public campaigns, raising awareness, generating support and mobilising voters.
References
Politics.co.uk (2023) Manifestos – General Election 2024. Available at: https://www.politics.co.uk/manifestos.
Social Enterprise UK (2023) Social Enterprise in the UK. Available at: https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk.