Social enterprises are playing a vital role in building a more sustainable Northern Ireland. With £933 million in turnover and over 17,300 jobs, they deliver essential services in disadvantaged areas while promoting inclusion, resilience, and environmental responsibility—aligning closely with the region’s long-term goals for economic and social sustainability.
A new report commissioned by the Department for the Economy has highlighted the significant and growing impact of social enterprises across Northern Ireland, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report, launched by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, reveals that the sector contributes an estimated £933 million in turnover and supports at least 17,300 jobs across the region.
Social enterprises are organisations that operate to achieve social or environmental objectives, with profits typically reinvested in their mission. Although there is no legal category of social enterprise in Northern Ireland, the report used a working definition to identify qualifying organisations — including charities, community interest companies, cooperatives, and some private companies that pursue core social and environmental goals and restrict profit distribution.
The report, produced by the Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research (CEEDR), estimates there are at least 1,225 active social enterprises across Northern Ireland. Together, they generate around £933 million in turnover and employ over 17,300 people. Social enterprises are spread across all regions, but are particularly concentrated in the most deprived areas — 44% operate in the most disadvantaged communities, where they provide essential services and jobs.
Findings show that 53% of social enterprises have been operating for over 10 years, indicating a high level of resilience and sustainability. Additionally, nearly 60% of enterprises report annual revenues over £85,000, with a median turnover of £200,000, roughly double the UK average.
The report highlights notable progress in inclusion and leadership diversity. 44% of Northern Ireland’s social enterprises are women-led, and 75% of leadership teams include individuals with lived experience of the social challenges their organisations seek to address — from poverty and unemployment to disability and mental health.
Speaking at the launch event at Loaf Pottery in Crawfordsburn, a social enterprise run by the NOW Group supporting people with learning difficulties and neurodiverse conditions, Minister Archibald praised the sector’s impact:
‘This report provides the most comprehensive picture to date of the region’s social enterprises. These organisations are not only delivering essential services but are also helping to build a more inclusive, sustainable and regionally balanced economy.’
Loaf Pottery, the launch venue, is a vivid example — a previously disused site transformed into a vibrant hub offering artisan food, pottery workshops, and meaningful employment opportunities for marginalised individuals.
While the sector is thriving in many areas, the report also identifies persistent financial barriers and gaps in support that affect organisations of all sizes and types. These include limited access to investment, uneven availability of business development support, and the need for stronger cross-sector partnerships.
To address these challenges, the report aligns with the Department for the Economy’s broader goals under its 2024–2027 Economic Vision and the Social Enterprise Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen the sector through targeted policies and support mechanisms.
Minister Archibald affirmed her department’s commitment:
“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.”
The 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report highlights how social enterprises directly support environmental goals, economic inclusion, community resilience, and long-term wellbeing — all critical pillars of sustainability. It also provides policymakers with a roadmap for strengthening these impacts through better support and investment.
The report underscores that 44% of social enterprises are located in the most deprived areas, supporting disadvantaged communities through employment and services. This aligns with Northern Ireland’s aim to build a regionally balanced economy where no one is left behind, a key principle of sustainability.
Many social enterprises operate with explicit environmental or social missions, such as:
Providing mental health and wellbeing services
Delivering community-based healthcare or education
Offering sustainable goods or services (e.g., eco-friendly products)
These activities reinforce social cohesion, improve wellbeing, and contribute to environmental sustainability, echoing the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — which Northern Ireland’s policies increasingly reference.
While not the central focus of the article, the social enterprise model often embraces reuse, recycling, local production, and low-waste practices, particularly in sectors like:
Community food projects
Repair and reuse initiatives
Green energy cooperatives
These models support Northern Ireland’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and shift toward a circular economy.
The report shows that over half of social enterprises have been trading for more than 10 years, suggesting strong resilience. Their local, community-focused nature makes them less vulnerable to global market shocks and more responsive to local needs — which is essential for sustainable, place-based development.
The report also shows how the sector’s growth aligns with the Department for the Economy’s Economic Vision 2024–2027, which prioritises:
Inclusion
Innovation
Sustainability
The Social Enterprise Action Plan, referenced in the article, is one of the main delivery tools for embedding sustainability into economic policy. By mapping out the current strengths and gaps in the sector, the report provides evidence to inform future policy, support development, and unlock investment in sustainable economic models.
The social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland demonstrates a unique blend of social purpose and economic resilience. As public policy shifts toward inclusion and sustainability, social enterprises are well-positioned to play a central role in achieving regional development goals — particularly in disadvantaged areas.
With continued investment, greater recognition, and support to overcome systemic barriers, the sector can expand its contribution to economic growth, social inclusion, and community well-being.
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