# UK falls in ranking of best countries for social entrepreneurs

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/10/23/uk-falls-in-ranking-of-best-countries-for-social-entrepreneurs/
- Published: 2019-10-23T09:00:14+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Canada, Australia and France are the best countries to be a social entrepreneur,
according a study, while the UK has fallen from third place to 13^(th) since 2016.**

The results of the [global perception poll](http://poll2019.trust.org/), conducted
by the [Thomson Reuters Foundation](http://www.trust.org/) in partnership with Deutsche
Bank’s [_Made for Good_ programme](https://www.db.com/cr/en/society/made-for-good.htm),
show that Britain has dropped ten places since the inaugural survey of the world’s
45 biggest economies was carried out in 2016, although London is still seen as a
leading hotspot. The holder of first place in 2016, the US dropped further, to become
32nd.

The survey polled almost 900 experts to establish trends, opportunities and challenges
related to the business-for-purpose sector. It surveyed six key areas; government
support, attracting skilled staff, public understanding, ability for social entrepreneurs
to make a living, whether the sector was gaining momentum and access to investment.

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The findings also include polls on where women fare best as social entrepreneurs,
compared to 2016, and an inaugural poll on the role of social entrepreneurs aged
under 25.

The former takes into account two questions: representation in leadership roles 
in social enterprises and the gender pay gap. Here, the UK fell one place, from 
18^(th) to 19^(th), while the US ranked last, and Canada, Australia and Belgium 
took the top three places. 67% of respondents thought that women were well represented
in leadership roles overall, but only 44% thought female leaders were paid the same
as men.

The inaugural youth ranking takes into account two questions: interest in working
in social enterprises and the impact of having younger people involved in the sector.
Here, the UK came second to last, between Russia and Poland, with Canada, Germany
and France at the top.

Overall, most asked believed social entrepreneurship was gaining momentum around
the world. However, more than half said the public still did not understand what
they did.

In the UK, Brexit dominating the political agenda was blamed for slowing the pace
of the sector’s development. In Scotland, though, the results suggest that social
enterprise is thriving.

Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation said:

> “From building schools from plastic waste, to training women in rural villages
> in solar engineering, social enterprise is a rapidly growing sector. By using 
> innovation to address critical social and environmental issues, social enterprise
> is increasingly relied upon to reduce inequality and help the world’s most disadvantaged
> people.”
> “However, this survey has revealed some surprising changes in how the sector is
> viewed in different nations. Perception of social enterprise is crucial. It affects
> everything from access to finance, to the quality of employees. We hope that greater
> understanding of social enterprise will provide the sector with vital information
> to generate future growth.”

Lareena Hilton, Global Head of Brand Communications and CSR for Deutsche Bank added:

> “Social entrepreneurs around the world are shaking up traditional marketplaces
> and introducing innovative solutions to meet the growing needs of communities.
> Deutsche Bank is proud to support this research and be part of a growing momentum
> that appreciates this exciting sector, as well as supporting its development around
> the world.
> “Through our global CSR _Made for Good _programme we know how vulnerable social
> entrepreneurs can be not only at early stage but also throughout their growth,
> and the importance of accelerator and incubators for success. Repeating this poll
> has shone a light on the countries that have nurtured and strengthened the sector
> since 2016, as well as revealing those where work is needed to improve the understanding
> of social entrepreneurs and the obstacles to become investment ready.”

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