International Social Enterprise Mark
On 17 January 2012 the Social Enterprise Mark was announced as an internationality registered Community Trade Mark in the European Union.
The Social Enterprise Mark is the only certification authority for social enterprises, guaranteeing when a business has society and the environment at its heart.
Lucy Findlay, Managing Director, Social Enterprise Mark Company, said: “Setting an international standard for a common understanding of social enterprise is crucial to the development of the sector across the world.
“This is an important step in developing a worldwide position where genuine social enterprises are recognised and we are thrilled that the process is now concluded in the European Union."
To earn the Mark social enterprises must meet a set of criteria, which is overseen by the independent Certification Panel. Mark holders include Age UK, Fifteen London, Eden Project and the Big Issue.
Social enterprises operate in almost every industry in the UK, from health and social care to renewable energy, from retail to recycling, from employment to sport, from housing to education.
The Government defines social enterprises as “businesses with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.”
For further information visit www.socialenterprisemark.org.uk