Middlesex report finds social enterprise business sector is flourishing in Northern Ireland

Researchers found more than half of the social enterprises are in the two most deprived areas of population

The 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report, commissioned by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE), reveals how social enterprise businesses, which have a primarily social objective and include many start ups, are contributing to economic, social, and environmental objectives across Northern Ireland.

Developed by the Centre for Enterprise, Environment and Development Research at Middlesex University (CEEDR) in partnership with Queens University, Belfast, and Social Enterprise UK, the report provides a basis for future policy and sector developments.  

The key findings include: 

• It’s estimated there are at least 1,225 social enterprises operating in Northern Ireland, which deliver wide-reaching impact, with 44% located in the most deprived set area of population and 55% in the bottom two deprived set areas of population, underlining their role in areas of greatest need.
• The sector is remarkably resilient. More than half (53%) of social enterprises have been trading for more than a decade. On average, 69% of income is generated through trading (rather than grants). In the latest year, 47% reported growth in turnover, and 45% forecast further growth in the coming year.
• The social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland demonstrates inclusive leadership: 44% of organisations are led by women, and 97% have women in executive leadership roles. Moreover, 75% of boards include individuals with lived experience of the social issues addressed by the organisation, and 46% include service users.
• The most common primary mission of social enterprise is benefiting a particular community (50%), followed by supporting vulnerable communities and improving mental health (both 42%). In terms of trading activity, social enterprises span multiple sectors; culture & leisure, education & skills, and financial services/credit unions 

The report features evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the sector. This includes improving access to finance, especially repayable instruments, and reducing deterrents for early-stage social enterprises. MDX researchers also recommend targeting support towards under-served areas and rural communities, ensuring geographic balance.

Commenting on the report, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, said: “This report provides a comprehensive and current analysis of the social enterprise landscape in the north. It will inform my department as it seeks to shape policies and priorities aligned with our economic vision—centred on creating good jobs, regional balance, productivity and decarbonisation. 

“I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Middlesex University, Queen’s University Belfast and Social Enterprise UK for their contribution to this research and report. I welcome the evidence-based policy and practice recommendations and believe that this is a key step forward in growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy here in the north of Ireland.”

“Research on social enterprises at Middlesex University from the last 25 years shows that they play a key role in society and the economy. This new study demonstrates the importance in Northern Ireland and identifies a range of policy issues that are being followed up by the Department for the Economy and other parts of government.” 

Professor Fergus Lyon, the director of CEEDR at Middlesex University

The 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report was authored by Fergus Lyon (Middlesex University), Christopher Baird (Queens University, Belfast), Sylvia Gottschalk (Middlesex University), Robyn Owen (Middlesex University), Emily Darko, and Dan Gregory (Social Enterprise UK), with survey design and delivery supported by BMG Research. 

The full report is available to read here.