The event brought together a wide range of policymakers and stakeholders, including the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.

The research, commissioned by DfE and delivered in partnership with Middlesex University and Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the sector to date. It explores key demographics, financial performance, leadership diversity, environmental impact, and the support landscape for social enterprises across Northern Ireland.

Some of the headline findings include:

• The number of social enterprises in Northern Ireland has more than doubled since 2013
• The sector supports 17,300 paid jobs and generates nearly £1 billion in turnover
• 44% of social enterprises are led by women, and 17% by people with disabilities or who are neurodiverse
• Almost half operate in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland
• 72% made a profit or broke even last year

The report also sets out six key recommendations for how government and support bodies can strengthen the sector and ensure its continued growth and impact.

Chris Baird, Lecturer in International Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing, commented:

“The report shows that social enterprises are already delivering huge economic and social value for Northern Ireland, often in the communities that need them most. It was only possible through close collaboration between QUB, Middlesex, and SEUK, working with government and sector leaders. Being invited to join the Social Enterprise Action Plan co-design group is a chance to ensure the research has real impact in shaping policy and support.”

The Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, launched the research and invited Chris to join the Social Enterprise Action Plan co-design group, which will shape the delivery of a three-year action plan for the sector. This invitation highlights the policy impact and knowledge exchange dimension of the research, as well as its alignment with Queen’s University Belfast’s wider civic responsibility and entrepreneurship agendas.

The full report is available to read here.