Sector Intelligence

• Effectively disseminate information and intelligence that is of interest and importance to our members

• Maintain an online resource library enabling easy access to intelligence and research

• Identify, and take steps to address, intelligence gaps which impact on the sector’s ability to benefit from new market opportunities

• Support research and intelligence gathering work that links with Research for Progress (2008-09) - the Network's draft strategy for social enterprise.

• Ensure that the diversity of the sector is appropriately represented in new research activity

Over the last ten years signifcant resources have been invested in research and development projects to better understand the size, scope, activities, business support requirements, challenges and aspirations of the social enterprise sector in the West Midlands. 

The most significant programme of research was commissioned by the West Midlands Social Economy Partnership (2000-04) using £3.5M SRB6 funding approved by Advantage West Midlands.

The Partnership approved around 20 action research projects (available in our Resource Library, under 'WMSEP') including the first regional social enterprise baseline study which identified 3,311 social enterprises, representing 2.8% of all incorporated organisations in West Midlands. 

Sub-regional and local mapping work has also been undertaken by social enterprise networks covering Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Shropshire.

Latest research
Last year Advantage West Midlands commissioned a new mapping exercise of social enterprise in the region, using a more inclusive definition (than the 2003 work) to take account of community interest companies and trading registered charities. This has revealed an estimated 5,554 social enterprises in the region.