Social enterprises

What is a social enterprise?

Social enterprises are organisations which apply market-based strategies to achieve a social purpose. The aims of a social enterprise are both social and/or environmental as well as financial. Social enterprises are distinctive because their social or environmental purpose remains central to their operation.

Rather than maximising shareholder value, the primary aim of a social enterprise is to generate profit to further their social and/or environmental goals. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways and depends on the structure of the social enterprise. Generated profit could be used to support a social aim, such as funding the programming of a non-profit organisation, or the business could accomplish its social aim by employing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or lending to micro-businesses that have difficulty in securing investment from mainstream lenders.

We provide cost effective support on the initial stages of incorporation, ensuring that the correct structure is chosen and all legal paperwork is compliant with UK law.

For start ups and also established companies we provide:-

• chartered secretarial support to ensure meetings are compliant, such as the annual general meeting;
• preparation of board minutes and associated documentation to deal with changes in the constitution of the business;
• advice and assistance regarding directors/trustees general duties and obligations under the Companies Act 2006;
• set-up of trading arms and/or stand-alone companies;
• updating and maintaining the statutory registers and statutory filings;

All services can be tailored to suit your business requirements.