Social Firms UK with Middlesex University
Researchers: Eleonore Kofman, Mattia Fumanti
The project sought to map and investigate the characteristics and needs of social firms so as to develop a plan for diversification of sectors beyond the current narrow range. It did this through a survey of a sample of social firms across the UK. Middlesex acquired knowledge of the sector and its contribution to the creation of jobs for people disadvantaged in the labour market. The partner organisation used the results of the mapping exercise to acquire a better knowledge of the activities of the firms as a basis to plan where it might seek to orient future activities and empower its members. The voucher led to further collaboration with SFUK through an ESRC funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership Empowering Social Firms which led to an on-line took kit being developed.