Liverpool City Region’s social economy is thriving. It makes up approximately 10% of our economy and our collective ambition is to grow that to 20%. As a region we’re recognised as a pioneer of social trade and enterprise – that’s why we were awarded the Social Enterprise Place accolade in autumn 2023, recognising the work of socially-trading organisations (STOs) across the region to reimagine a new way of doing businesses that works for communities, keeps money local and values lived experience.
The research we carry out every year with our investees – alongside that of our partners – gives us a unique insight into the needs of STOs locally. The Pathfinder is a response to those insights. Together, we’re looking for more money to invest in the social economy here, working with a range of partners to deliver visionary leadership for the sector. Kindred is working with Fusion 21, Livv Housing, Capacity, Power to Change, BlaST, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the University of Liverpool – and more than 1,500 socially-trading organisations across the region – to take our next steps.
Our work, along with our partners, has demonstrated the demand for social investment in Liverpool City Region. It has shown that STOs are high growth, sustainable and firmly rooted in place, using lived experience and local insights to impact the areas in which they work.
The 55 organisations Kindred has invested in have created over 100 new jobs, levered a further £16.4m of investment and delivered £35.9 of economic and social impact. In 2024 alone, they provided direct support to 421,735 people.
Read more about the impact of STOs across Liverpool City Region on our Impact page…
