Social Enterprise Database

This Database of local Social Enterprises has been compiled as a result of research undertaken by Leicester Social Economy Consortium.

This research work has fed into the establishment and growth of the Leicester Social Enterprise Network (LSEN). And it both results from & contributes towards the success of the ExSEL Project.  

The ExSEL (Expand Social Enterprise in Leicester) Project seeks to do what it says, ‘on the tin’. It has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) as part of the Leicester City Council investment plan for the UKSPF. It is funded until 31 March 2026. We hope that the Database will be one of the lasting legacies of the ExSEL Project. 

The Database lists only local Social Enterprises. National Organisations, even those with a presence in Leicester, such as the Nationwide Building Society, have been excluded. As have Universities, further education colleges, and academy trusts.  

In compiling the Database, we have chosen to use a wide, albeit slightly fuzzy, definition of the term ‘Social Enterprise’. Many local charities such as LOROS & VISTA have been left out as being ‘too charitable’. Others such as Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, The Mighty Creatives, and YMCA Leicestershire have been included.  

There is no rational justification for this distinction, it just ‘feels right’. Similarly, lots of organisations based outside the City have been left out of the Database but some such as Coalville CAN have been included. Again, it just ‘feels right’. But if your organisation objects to being left out please let us know. Email hello@leicestersocialenterprise.net  

The Database has been compiled exclusively from data in the public domain. Primarily the Annual Report and Accounts of those listed in it. We have worked from data accessible through Companies House, the Charity Commission, and the Financial Conduct Authority. All registered organisations are required to file such reports every year. The Database excludes unincorporated bodies, sole traders, and ‘for profit’ companies. 

We are continuously working to keep the database up to date and do not claim that it is a finite or exhaustive list of Local Social Enterprises. Here at LSEN, we are always happy to hear from new social enterprises who would like to be included in the Database.  

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us to compile the Database. In particular Khadeejah Patel, Saynab Adan, Abdulrahman Patel and Max Stephenson. Without their hard work compiling the Database would not have been possible.