Policy Press

Inside Social Enterprise

Looking to the Future

By Helen Fitzhugh and Nicky Stevenson

Published

Feb 26, 2015

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447310358

Dimensions

216 x 138 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 26, 2015

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447310372

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Feb 26, 2015

Page count

208 pages

ISBN

978-1447310389

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Inside Social Enterprise

Social enterprises - real businesses that trade for a social purpose - are a growing phenomena with an increasing role to play in society, but there is widespread confusion and controversy over the definition of the term.

This exciting book includes nearly forty interviews with the most influential and experienced social enterprise practitioners, supporters, thinkers and policy makers. In their own words, they discuss their organisations, values and world-changing goals, providing fresh clarity and understanding on the real value of social enterprises.

Jargon-free, the book delivers a lively and clear introduction as to what social enterprises are, how they can change individual lives and, by challenging assumptions, may even offer new directions for the future of capitalism. It is a unique guide for aspiring practitioners, students, researchers and public sector staff.

"The rich perspectives provided in this book highlight how social enterprises focus on people, the environment and communities in ways that are...immensely important to both politics and social change" Entrepreneurship and Innovation

“By ensuring their subjects come from a broader - and deeper - social enterprise pool than is sometimes the case, the authors have succeeded in creating a multi-faceted, and therefore more accurate, portrayal of the sector and where it might be headed.” Andy Brady, Course Leader, BA Charity & Social Enterprise Management, Anglia Ruskin University

"The narrative running through this book is easy to follow, interesting and of direct benefit to those wanting to understand more about the social enterprise phenomena -- its advocates, its soothsayers, its magicians and to some extent its detractors." Alan Kay, Community Development Journal

Helen Fitzhugh is a social researcher interested in the way organisations work to promote the social good. Previously Researcher at The Guild, she is currently working towards a PhD at the University of East Anglia, UK.

Nicky Stevenson has been active in the social enterprise sector for over 20 years. As a partner at The Guild, she worked on influential research and policy development initiatives with practitioners and academics.

Introduction: Social enterprises today;

From the sidelines to the mainstream? Two personal introductions to social enterprise;

About the Voices;

The Voices;

A social enterprise movement for the future: an overview