Latest Social Enterprise Census reveals the lasting impact of Scotland’s social enterprises over a decade.
The Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2024 report has been published this morning at the Social Enterprise Summit Scotland in Stirling, marking the fourth and final census under the Scottish Government’s 10-year social enterprise strategy.
The 2024 census highlights the enduring innovation, transformation and impact of Scotland’s social enterprises, cementing their role as a driving force for inclusive and democratic economic growth and community wealth building.
Over the past decade, the census has provided a comprehensive record of the sector’s scale, contribution and evolution. The 2024 report demonstrates that social enterprises remain a cornerstone of Scotland’s economy, with thousands of organisations delivering vital services, creating jobs, and tackling social and environmental challenges.
Key findings from the 2024 census include:
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6,103 number of social enterprises in Scotland – 17.4% increase from 2015
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£2.89bn of Gross Value Added to the Scottish economy – 41.7% increase from 2017
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£8bn net worth of Scottish social enterprises – 107% increase from 2015
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90,050 full time equivalent employees – 10.7% increase from 2017
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33% of organisations based in rural areas, strengthening local economies
The report also offers insights into how social enterprises are navigating rising operational costs as well as the ongoing cost of living crisis. 70% of survey respondents identify increasing costs as the primary obstacle to growth whilst 76% anticipate increased operating costs over the next year. 61% of social enterprises also reported an increase in the number of people they support.
Since the first census in 2015, the sector has shown consistent growth and adaptation in the face of significant challenges, as well as a steadfast commitment to fairness, sustainability and equality. Despite the pressures of inflation and the cost of living crisis, social enterprises have continued to provide stable employment, support vulnerable communities, and maintain their commitment to fair work and environmental responsibility.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes said:
“These figures demonstrate the positive, growing impact that social enterprises have on Scotland’s communities and economy. As well as creating jobs and helping high streets to thrive, social enterprises benefit people by investing all their profits in social and environmental causes.
“To support the continued growth of social enterprises, we are progressing our Community Wealth Building Bill. This will encourage public bodies including the NHS and local councils to buy more products from their local businesses and promote social enterprises.”
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said:
“The release of the Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2024 report is a milestone moment, not only as the latest snapshot of the sector’s contribution, but as the culmination of a decade of evidence and insight.
“Over the past 10 years, these reports have told the story of a sector that has grown in scale and confidence, creating a model of business that prioritises people and planet.
The 2024 census shows that, despite challenges, Scotland’s social enterprises remain at the heart of communities, driving innovation, providing secure employment, and delivering real social and environmental impact. If the past decade has proven anything, it’s that social enterprise is not just a resilient model, it’s a glimpse of the future of business.”
