AIMS

There are currently 55,000 social enterprises in the UK with a combined turnover of £27bn, according to government figures. Impressive - yet research for the Cabinet Office revealed in 2008 that although the idea of business with a social purpose chimes well with many audiences, these statistics stand largely alone. Very few people actually know that social enterprises exist and those who do often misunderstand the concept.

Social Enterprise, the UK's only magazine dedicated to the sector, in partnership with RBS, has developed the RBS SE100 Index to forge a better understanding, within the sector and amongst the wider public, of the organisations that identify themselves as social enterprises in the UK.

Who should get involved?

There are thousands of organisations out there who are trading and making profits to deliver social, environmental and economic change. Some call themselves social enterprises - others may think of themselves as charities with an enterprising spirit, or businesses motivated by ethical goals. Wherever you sit, the RBS SE100 Index wants to hear from you - whether charity, housing association, co-op, social firm, community enterprise or ethical business.

Monitoring growth

The index will enable organisations to see how their growth compares to others in their marketplace and in the social enterprise arena as a whole. The index will enable entrants to identify potential development areas and emerging markets. And essential for sector expansion, the monthly results will highlight to mainstream businesses the sectors and individual organisations that are potential growth goldmines.

Market Intelligence

What is the significance of all this information, you might ask? The data gathered is crucial for you to gain a greater understanding of your marketplace, other sectors and the significance of the contribution that social businesses make to society, the economy and the environment.

It will put facts and figures behind the fantastic stories of change that characterise the sector.

Monitoring social impact

All businesses know their turnovers, but surprisingly few have much evidence to show their social returns. The index will also provide a vital platform for organisations to demonstrate how they measure this, to learn more about this area and to back up with facts and figures their powerful stories of social and environmental change.

In a world where contracts for essential public services are being tendered for, and where the fortunes of communities are at stake, we think it is crucial for businesses to be transparent and rigorous about demonstrating the social, environmental and economic value they create.