Hackney Council steps up support for social enterprises and cooperatives

New council research to boost social enterprises and co-operatives in Hackney.

Socially-focused businesses are sharing their experiences as part of new Hackney Council-led research into the challenges facing social enterprises.

Commissioned as part of Social Enterprise Day 2023, the research is looking at current issues around support available to social enterprises and cooperatives and will offer practical solutions that can benefit organisations based in Hackney and East London.

This comes in response to concerns within the sector that the support available can be too short-term and often doesn’t respond to the social and economic context at a local level.

The research will help to maximise the potential of Hackney Impact, – a new Council-funded partnership delivering a range of hands-on business help in Hackney including one-to-one coaching and mentoring, group courses and networking, and grant funding opportunities.

The research will be undertaken by Stir to Action, Coop Culture and Hackney-grown social enterprise Renaisi. Findings will be reported in February 2024.

Jonny Gordon Farleigh, Director, Stir to Action, said: “By investing in this research, Hackney Council is leading the way in establishing the real challenge involved in building a supportive local ecosystem for the growth of social and democratic businesses, particularly in their unique geographical context.

“We're confident that our recommendations can play a big part in improving the way the public sector supports these businesses, both in Hackney and further afield."

Nathan Brown, Director, Coop Culture said “We hope that Hackney will become a beacon for other boroughs who want to grow and maintain a vibrant co-operative sector."

John Hitchin at Renaisi said: "As a local social enterprise, we're delighted to be involved with this project. While businesses of all types are struggling because of inflation and economic uncertainty, social businesses must also make sure their work continues to benefit people and the planet.

“This research will help the Council develop support so social businesses can thrive in Hackney. Longer term, we hope it encourages other places to better support their social businesses."

Get involved

To hear more about the research, email business@hackney.gov.uk

To sign up for the business support programme you can register here.