Social Firms

A Social Firm is one type of social enterprise. Other types of social enterprise include development trusts, co-operatives, credit unions and community businesses. A social enterprise is a business that trades for a social purpose. The specific social purpose of a Social Firm is to employ people disadvantaged in the labour market. Case studies showing the range of Social Firms in operation are available on the Social Firms UK website.

For more information about social enterprise, take a look at the Social Enterprise Coalition website or the Social Enterprise London (SEL) website where there is an comprehensive introductory publication available to download called ‘Introducing Social Enterprise’.

A Social Firm is a business set up specifically to create good quality jobs for people disadvantaged in the labour market. There are 3 core values that Social Firms will subscribe to within their businesses, orientated around Enterprise, Employment and Empowerment.

In consultation with its members, Social Firms UK developed a list of Social Firm criteria to more fully illustrate the values of Enterprise, Employment and Empowerment. These criteria are detailed in the Values-Based Checklist. Like all Social Firms, Wholefood Planet ventures are expected to review their businesses against this checklist.

Social Firms UK has developed a ‘Star Social Firm’ quality mark for Social Firms. It is awarded to Social Firms that have proved the quality of their business and the employment they provide for severely disadvantaged people. Star Social Firms are companies that have proved to be thriving, sustainable businesses, where staff say, ‘this is a good place to work!’ Wholefood Planet licensees are expected to achieve Star Social Firm accreditation.