Mark My Words

Published 13th Aug 2010

Mark My Words

The Newlands Community Association has been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, which identifies them as trading for social and environmental purposes.
The Social Enterprise Mark is the brand for social enterprises and was launched 1st February, 2010. The Mark identifies businesses which meet defined criteria for social enterprise, and consumers will recognize that businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit people and planet.
The NCA joins other ethical businesses that have been recognized by being awarded the Mark such as the Eden Project, Hill Holt Wood, Bristol Wood Recycling Project and the Co-operative Group South & West. The Social Enterprise Mark builds off the pilot run by RISE, the voice for South West social enterprise.
Government data estimates that there are 62,000 social enterprises across the UK, contributing £24 billion to the economy and employing around 800,000 people.
“‘The NCA are delighted with news as this is formal recognition of our Social Enterprise status and sets us apart from other competitors in the field and establishes that we are a genuine not for profit organization dedicated to the community and the environment.”
Lucy Findlay champion from the Social Enterprise Mark Company (manager of the Mark) advised:
“As the distinctive and exciting brand for social enterprise, the Mark identifies businesses which meet defined criteria, enabling consumers to recognise those that are trading to benefit people and planet. It also helps those businesses promote their business ethics and values. We hope that the Social Enterprise Mark will do for social enterprise what the Fair Trade Mark did for fair trade.”