The scale and impact of the local social enterprise sector has
been set out in a new report launched by Economy Minister, Dr
.
The findings show that the sector contributes an
estimated £933 million in turnover to Northern
Ireland's economy and supports over 17,000 jobs spread
throughout all regions of the north, with a strong presence in
the most deprived communities.
The Minister launched the report as she visited Loaf Pottery, a
social enterprise in Crawfordsburn. Operated by the NOW
Group, Loaf supports people with learning difficulties, autism
and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future.
The Minister said: “This report provides the most
comprehensive picture to date of the region's social
enterprises. It clearly outlines the community, social and
economic impact of this sector. These organisations are not
only delivering essential services but are also helping to build
a more inclusive, sustainable and regionally balanced
economy.
“That impact is clear to see here at Loaf Pottery where a
disused site was transformed into an inclusive community hub,
offering pottery workshops, artisan food, and employment
opportunities.”
The ‘2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report' was
commissioned by the Department for the Economy (DfE) to gather
up-to-date information on the sector, provide comparison with
other jurisdictions and help inform policy and support the sector
going forward.
The research found a mature and resilient sector, with over half
(53%) of surveyed social enterprises trading for more than a
decade. The sector is particularly focused on supporting
community activity, vulnerable people, health and wellbeing
initiatives and creating employment. It outlines a number
of recommendations to support further growth.
The Minister continued: “I am committed to supporting and
strengthening the ongoing impact and sustainability of social
enterprises. Findings show the positive growth taking
place, whilst highlighting where more can be done to further
enhance the sector. Through my Department's Social
Enterprise Action Plan, which is already focusing on a number of
the areas highlighted in the report, we will continue to support
the sector to achieve its full potential.”
Notes to editors:
- Caption - The Minister is pictured at Loaf Pottery in
Crawfordsburn with Resident Potter, Ashleigh Collim.
- The ‘2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report'
is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/2025-northern-ireland-social-enterprise-sector-report
- The report was produced by the Centre for Enterprise,
Environment and Development Research (CEEDR).
- The report builds on the 2019 “Rebalancing the NI Economy”
study and aligns with the Department's Economic Vision and Social
Enterprise Action Plan (2024–2027)
- Key findings include:
- Community Impact: 44% of social enterprises are based in the
most deprived areas, delivering vital services and employment.
- Economic Contribution: Nearly 60% of enterprises earn over
£85,000 annually, with an approximate median turnover of
£200,000—double the UK average.
- Leadership and Inclusion: 44% are women-led, and 75% of
leadership teams include individuals with lived experience of the
issues they address.
- Environmental Action: Over a third have implemented energy
efficiency measures, and many prioritise sustainability in
procurement.
- Barriers to Growth: Access to finance, skills shortages, and
limited understanding of the social enterprise model remain key
challenges.
6. The report also outlines nine strategic recommendations to
support the sector's growth, including tailored funding,
leadership development, improved procurement access, and digital
upskilling.
7. The then Economy Minister launched a three-year Social
Enterprise Action Plan on the 4 December 2024 which can be found
at - https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/social-enterprise-action-plan
