In the current climate, some businesses have been forced to realign their strategy to the detriment of their corporate social responsibility objectives.
In response, the Social Enterprise Mark Company (SEMC) is launching its first national campaign, 50 in 250, designed to support businesses’ use of certified social enterprises within their supply chains, and in the process dramatically improve the benefit they deliver to communities.
50 in 250 is designed to allow large businesses to integrate social enterprises into their supply chain
The 50 in 250 campaign aims to secure a pledge from 50 companies to do business with at least five certified social enterprises within 250 days.
It has been developed to encourage businesses to recognise how their procurement could deliver substantial and innovative ethical benefits, while delivering their overall commercial objectives.
Gordon Morris, Chair of the SEMC says “We are excited to be launching a campaign which directly supports business to achieve positive benefit to their communities through their commercial activity. It is time for greater recognition of the power of social enterprise to realise benefits for business and our communities alike.”
The City Buyer’s Directory of Certified Social Enterprises accompanies the campaign. It highlights research showing that city buyers spend over £2billion annually on products and services that could be provided by SMEs through events, public relations, print and publishing.
With many social enterprises also providing these types of services, city buyers have an opportunity to create additional social impact.
Sophie Hulm, Corporate Responsibility Manager at the City of London comments “With the support of city business, the economic and social impacts delivered by social enterprises could be immense.”
The SEMC also awards the Social Enterprise Mark to businesses that benefit the community by trading for both people and planet and re-investing profits into those purposes.
Consequently, the positive effect that these businesses have on the customer and the organisations should not be overlooked. The Social Enterprise Mark ensures that social enterprises are recognised for the positive impact they bring to society.
