Types of Social Enterprise

Social Firms: created for the primary purpose of providing jobs and training opportunities for disabled people e.g.Workmatch, Herefordshire;

Development trusts: focus on the environmental, economic and social regeneration of a specific geographic area or community e.g. All Saints Action Network, Wolverhampton.

Credit unions: a financial co-operative providing saving and lending services to its members e.g. 6 Towns Credit Union, Sandwell.

Community Finance Development Initiatives (CDFIs): Lend and invest in deprived areas and underserved markets that find it difficult to access mainstream finance e.g. Aston Reinvestment Trust, Birmingham

Intermediate labour market organisations: provide training and work experience for people who are significantly disadvantaged in accessing the labour market

Co-operatives: Structured and run in accordance with the seven international co-operative principles.  There are many types of co-operative business (worker, consumer, marketing, food, agricultural, secondary) e.g. Midcounties Co-operative, Walsall.

Football supporters trusts: Democratic organisation that draws its members from the community where a particular football team is active, and aims to strengthen links between the club and the local community e.g. Telford United Supporters Trust, Telford.

Housing associations: Companies in charge of managing housing stock. The term is used interchangeably with Registered Social Landlord whose aim is to provide affordable housing e.g. Black Country Housing Group

Community enterprises: Serve a geographical community or community of interest and has representatives from the community on its board of directors.

Foundation Hospital Trusts: New model for semi-independent institutions within the NHS based upon member involvement and participatory governance e.g. South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Stafford.

Fair trade or ethical businesses e.g. Cafedirect

Trading arms of charities, voluntary and community organisations