Social Enterprise NI (SENI) as the representative body for social enterprises across NI, welcomes the updated survey of the local social economy commissioned by the Department for the Economy. The report confirms our belief that the sector has a positive role to play to deliver Programme for Government outcomes and presents the scale and impact of the social economy across NI.
The updated statistics, reflect the growth and contribution of the sector to the NI economy since the previous Rebalancing the NI Economy Report in 2018. The detailed report reiterates our understanding of the day to day needs and challenges facing the sector. We are delighted to see these positive comparisons noting the challenging economic conditions over recent years as well as navigating the Covid pandemic.
We note in particular a 43% increase in the number of organisations in the period since the 2018 report from 843 to 1225, employing over 17,000 staff with a combined turnover of £932.9m.
Working with social enterprises is a great way for businesses to demonstrate and display their social value commitments. The social businesses we support stand ready to work alongside other businesses and partner with them to deliver on social value.
We are also delighted that the work we do on a daily basis to support the social economy across NI is reflected in SENI being identified by a large percentage of respondents as the number one “go to organisation” when seeking support.
SENI will continue to represent the sector at all levels through its work to deliver under the current Social Economy Work Programme and seek to build further on the strong foundations highlighted within this report.
Please get in touch should you wish to know more of how to engage with the sector in NI or why not come join us and be part of the journey!
Colin Jess
CEO, Social Enterprise NI
Colin@socialenterpriseni.org
Find the FULL survey here: 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report | Department for the Economy