13

United Kingdom

The best countries to be a social entrepreneur 2019

2016 Rank: 03

Country summary

The United Kingdom slipped to 13th place from the third spot it held in 2016, when it ranked as one of the best countries for social entrepreneurs, as business conditions and government policy became less favourable for social entrepreneurs.

While more women secured leadership roles in the last three years, equal pay opportunities deteriorated, down 13 points to 35th place.

Expert view

"The nature of social entrepreneurs is that they are focused and determined about resolving an issue – and they won't let the lack of political capital or economic uncertainty distract them from their purpose"

 Peter Holbrook, CEO, Social Enterprise UK

Polling results

How Britain fared for each question (between 1 and 44). 1 is best

  • 15

    Government SupportGovernment policy supports social entrepreneurs.
    2016 Rank: 07

  • 13

    Attracting Skilled StaffIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills.
    2016 Rank: 15

  • 31

    Public UnderstandingThe general public understands what social entrepreneurs do.
    2016 Rank: 04

  • 10

    Making a LivingSocial entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country.
    2016 Rank: 02

  • 16

    Gaining MomentumSocial entrepreneurship is gaining momentum.
    2016 Rank: 27

  • 16

    Access to InvestmentIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity).
    2016 Rank: 07

  • 13

    Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
    2016 Rank: 03

  • 21

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
    2016 Rank: 13

  • 08

    Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need
    2016 Rank: 03

  • 23

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government
    2016 Rank: 28

  • 21

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
    2016 Rank: 15

  • 08

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
    2016 Rank: 11

Questions we asked

Click a question below to explore a summary of the key findings and see the polling results. 1 is best.

Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses

Government policy supports social entrepreneurs

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)

Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills

The general public understands what social entrepreneurs do

Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country