What makes a top social enterprise?

The 2019 Natwest SE100 recognises the leading social enterprises in the UK. But what does a top-performing social enterprise look like, exactly?

It needs to survive the growing pains of startup phase, and then demonstrate real growth; it needs to achieve genuine social impact and be resilient through challenging times. And it needs strong leadership and storytelling prowess to win over customers and potential investors. Our Social Business Awards, celebrated last week along with the 2019 SE100, recognised outstanding social enterprises that excel in all these areas.

Our film above illustrates these attributes in the form of a super-human social entrepreneur. Our interviewees – seasoned leaders with a wealth of experience and many a war wound between them – share their insights and anecdotes on what it takes to be a 'full-bodied' social enterprise.

To hear more from our interviewees – June O’Sullivan (London Early Years Foundation), James Teasdale (Year Here), Claire Dove (Blackburne House), Cemal Ezel (Change Please), and Sarah Wren (Hertfordshire Independent Living Services) – click on the links below:

	WATCH: James Teasdale on leading through front line experience
	WATCH: June O’Sullivan on talking investment talk
	WATCH: Sarah Wren on measuring and proving impact
	WATCH: James Teasdale on being new and shaking things up
	WATCH: Claire Dove on how resilience takes belief and tenacity
	WATCH: Cemal Ezel on using storytelling to create empathy
	WATCH: June O’Sullivan on growing through partnership

Videos produced by Sasha Gallick; shot and edited by Hatty Bell

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