Animal rights and welfareSocial benefits described
In our definition of social business we talk about the social benefits of a company. We have categorised all 3106 of our businesses by this list of 26 social benefits, but what are they all?
We frequently revise these benefits and update them - please let us know if you think we have missed something.
| Animal rights and welfareBusinesses with a focus on animal husbandry and the wellbeing of animals: includes all companies focused on not testing on animals, companies that produce and supply vegan products. Also includes organic companies. |
| Awareness and advocacyBusinesses that raise awareness of social and environmental issues and/or advocate change in these fields. Businesses in this category tend to be consumer/public facing. Consultancy businesses may be found in education. |
| Charity and social enterprise supportBusinesses that provide services to charities and social businesses and enterprises (SBEs) that help them achieve their objectives. |
| Children and young peopleBusiness focused on protecting children’s rights and improving their health and welfare. |
| Climate changeBusinesses that advise, enable, or facilitate carbon footprint reduction through significant increases in energy efficiency and/or the take-up of renewable energy. |
| Community developmentBusinesses that empower individuals and groups within communities by working directly with them to effect change; businesses that promote social cohesion. |
| Developing countriesBusinesses that, through their activities, raise living standards and quality of life in developing countries. |
| Disabled peopleBusinesses that provide services, employment and training; to improve the quality of life of those living with a disability. |
| EducationBusinesses that provide education and education resources (including those businesses that provide services and facilities for people with special needs). |
| ElderlyBusinesses that provide services, employment and training to the elderly, with the aim of improving quality of life. |
| Employee rights and welfareBusinesses that promote and protect workers’ rights (this category includes companies that are employee owned). |
| EmploymentBusinesses that provide employment in areas with historically high unemployment rates; businesses that help the long-term unemployed find jobs through training and support. |
| Ethical finance and investmentBusinesses that provide services, loans and/or investment to companies or individuals for social and environmental benefit and profit. |
| Forest conservationBusinesses that regenerate woodland, promote woodland stewardship and/or manufacture goods from sustainably managed woodland. |
| Healthy livingBusinesses that promote healthy living through the provision of advice, services and products. |
| HomelessnessBusinesses that provide services, support and training to the homeless. |
| HousingBusinesses that supply housing services and advice, including the provision of affordable housing to the poor, vulnerable or disenfranchised. (For eco-housing, see climate change) |
| Land conservationBusinesses that preserve, manage and restore land, encourage biodiversity and prevent soil degradation. |
| Marine conservationBusinesses that protect, preserve and restore marine systems through, for example, responsible fishing practices. |
| Mental HealthBusinesses that support people with mental health issues. |
| OtherBusinesses which are evidently creating social value, but with a focus that is atypical to that of the social business and enterprise sector. |
| Pollution ReductionBusinesses that act to reduce pollution levels in the air, water and on land. Includes businesses that do this by minimising and excluding pollutants and toxins from their products. |
| Poverty alleviationBusinesses that provide services in and employment to poor communities. |
| Racial equalityBusinesses that promote racial equality or provide employment, services and training to marginalised groups and communities. |
| Renewable energyBusinesses producing clean energy from renewable sources including solar, wind and water. It incorporates those companies working on new developments such as biofuels. |
| Special needs educationBusinesses which provide access to education for children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. They may also provide substantial support for their families and carers. |
| Waste reductionBusinesses that focus on providing services and products that reduce water wastage and/or improve access to potable water supplies. |
| Women and women’s rightsBusinesses that focus on protecting and/or promoting women’s rights. |
